Pulikulam

Pulikulam cattle are an indigenous humped cattle breed from Tamil Nadu, India, associated with the Madurai, Sivagangai, and nearby dry-zone districts. Also called Pulikulam maadu in local use, they are small to medium, active cattle with a compact body, strong hump, tight skin, and often gray, white, or mottled coats. Bulls are especially known in the region for draught work and for their role in jallikattu, while cows are modest milkers that contribute calves, manure, and resilience to extensive farming systems.

Traditional Pulikulam management relies on open grazing, seasonal movement, and herd penning on fields to enrich soil. These cattle are valued for heat tolerance, hard feet, and the ability to thrive on sparse forage, but they are not suited to casual handling by people expecting quiet dairy cows. Facilities need safe races, experienced handlers, and respect for athletic bulls. Conservation programs and local cattle keepers emphasize retaining pure breeding animals, because crossbreeding for milk or size can erode the traits that made Pulikulam useful in semi-arid village agriculture.

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