New Delhi, Dec. 2 (ANI): A 19th century breeding centre in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu has become one of the largest animal farm in South Asia.

The cattle-breeding station was handed over to the Agriculture department of Madras on September 1, 1924.

It was later reformed as a livestock research station when it was taken over by the Madras Civil Veterinary Department, for maintaining the purity of Indian milk breeds of cattle and to conduct basic research on animal breeding.

The farm was renamed as District Livestock farm in January 1970.

The sections functioning in it include longstable diary, progeny testing scheme, horse section, poultry section, chick hatchery and sheep and piggery section.

“The area of the farm is 1641 acres, divided into 46, the highest altitude from the sea level is 3015 feet. The minimum temperature is about 15 to 20 degree Celsius and maximum is 30 to 35 degree Celsius. The average rainfall is 840 millimetres, which is about 84 centimetres. There are 17 sections in this farm and this is one of the biggest farms in South Asia,” said Gnanaupakaram, Deputy Director of Livestock Farm.

The farm is known for the breeding of rare varieties of cows and bulls like the one of Sindhi bulls. Different breeds of cows such as Jersey, Friesian, Cross-bred Friesian, Cross-bred Jersey and Kangayam are also reared in the farm.

The farm has been supplying cattle, both infant and adult, to various parts of the country and states.

Besides trading cattle and cattle produce, the farm also provides training to various doctors, inspectors and even farmers on livestock maintenance.

The landscape and the climatic conditions of the region also play an important role in the productivity of the farm.

The farm still follows traditional methods of breeding and preservation. (ANI)