Malnad Gidda
Malnad Gidda or Malenadu Gidda (Kannada:ಮಲೆನಾಡು ಗಿಡ್ಡ) is a dwarf breed of cattle native to the hilly, rainy and densely forested Malenadu region of the Western Ghats in the state of Karnataka in India. It is also known as Uradana (Kannada:ಊರದನ) and Varshagandhi (Kannada:ವರ್ಷಗಂಧಿ). They are of short stature and known for their adaptability and disease resistance. The milk and urine is of medicinal value. The cattle can also be sustained solely on grazing the forests and rural terrains. They are found to be of black to brown complexions and are very active in temperament and are highly intelligent, also able to jump 5 feet fences. The breed which was once an undistinguished variety has now been declared officially as a distinct breed by the authorities. This cow breed is commonly found in Shimoga, Mangalore, Chikkamangalore, and Hassan districts. Average of 90 cm height at the withers and requires minimum fodder for survival. Milk yield is up to 3-4 ltrs per day. 2 ltrs on average.
| Life Span | 18-22 years |
| Weight | 450-900 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Malnad Gidda
Finding a responsible Malnad Gidda breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells cattles commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Malnad Gidda. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Malnad Giddas appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
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Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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