Mananthavadi: A hybrid cow from Punjab that produces 68 litres of milk per day has become a crowd puller in Wayanad. Kuttithottathil Poulose, a dairy farmer at Edavaka, bought the cow at ₹12 lakh from Bengaluru-based owners. This is the latest addition to his farm, which already has 17 hybrid cows. With cows garnering attention, Poulose has collaborated with other dairy farmers to associate with other states like Punjab to focus on rearing hybrid cows.

A regular visitor to the National Cow Milking Competition in Bengaluru, Poulose spotted a cow of Punjab origin during his visit a few years ago at the venue. Claimed to be the largest in South India, the cow then bagged first by producing 72 litres of milk per day at the competition.  "For some, owning a Rolls-Royce or a Benz may be a dream, but for me, this is my pride. She belongs to the ABS Junior breed, and her mother won the title of best milking cow in Punjab in 2019. They were twins, and her sister is still in Punjab," said Poulose.

Poulose is now preparing his prized possession for the milking competitions by January. "Only cows listed in competitions gain real value, as only the best are selected," he noted.

Many cows from Punjab participate each year in the national milking competition in Bengaluru. "I took part in 2024 when the highest milk yield was 52 litres per day, and the previous year it was 58 litres," he said.  

Poulose, however, said that the cow's milk yield has dipped slightly after being brought to Wayanad. "In Punjab, they ensure the best treatment and the world-class fodder for their cattle, producing excellent results. They cultivate Lucerne grass, known as the Queen of Fodder. I tried growing it here but failed, so I rely on local varieties like CO3," he said.  

The productivity of hybrid cows from Punjab has spawned a quiet revolution. Inspired by Poulose, a dairy farmers' collective is taking shape across Wayanad, Kannur, and Kozhikode districts. The group brings in veterinary experts from Punjab to conduct training sessions and awareness programmes on modern dairy practices. One of his friends, a dairy enthusiast from Thrissur, was inspired by his hybrid dairy experience and recently placed orders for 60 hybrid calves from Punjab.

Assisted by wife Anitha and son Vipin, a Post Graduate in Zoology, Poulose runs the farm with all modern facilities. He maintains a collection of imported semen to help the local farmers breed hybrids through artificial insemination- a more affordable alternative to buying calves for lakhs of rupees.

He also owns a bovine hoof trimmer, essential for the animals' health, and ensures each cow receives an external hoof guard. It was his son, Vipin, who made the hoof trimming equipment after training at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur.