Malnad Gidda

Malnad Gidda cattle are small indigenous cattle from the Malnad, or Malenadu, region of Karnataka in southwestern India. The name gidda refers to their short stature, which suits the hilly, high-rainfall landscape of the Western Ghats. Animals are compact, agile, and usually horned, with black, brown, fawn, red, or mixed coats. They are kept mainly by smallholders for household milk, manure, calves, and occasional work, not for the high yields expected from specialized dairy breeds.

Low-input management is central to their value. Herds may graze forest edges, plantations, and common lands, then receive crop residues or cut fodder at home. Their modest body size helps them maintain condition where large exotic cattle struggle, but clean water, salt and minerals, calf care, and protection from heavy monsoon exposure still matter. Conservation programs and breed societies in India promote Malnad Gidda because crossbreeding with higher-yielding dairy cattle can reduce the local adaptation that farmers rely on.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Grey, Highbelt, Highpark, Lineback, Mottled, Pied, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Riggit, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid White, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow