Body Traits

The Kangayam is of medium size, with a height at the withers of some 125–140 cm and a body weight of 340–525 kg;^[2] two body types are described, a larger and a smaller.^{[5]: 214  [10]}

With a thick and short neck, a short and broad back, and well-sprung ribs, the Kangayam breed displays a compact body structure. The quarters have a subtle droop, while the dewlap extends only up to the sternum, remaining thin. The sheath is neatly tucked against the body, and although the hump in bulls is well-developed, it retains a firm appearance. The breed's hair is fine and short, and the skin possesses a dark pigmentation and a delicate texture. A moderately long tail, featuring a black switch that extends well below the hocks, completes the breed's physical traits.^[10][12]

The two variations of this breed exhibit remarkable strength and agility, boasting compact bodies and sturdy, short legs with robust hooves. In the smaller variety, the horns are positioned relatively straight, with a slight backward curve. Conversely, the larger variety showcases longer horns that curve outward and backward, nearly forming a complete circle as they approach the tips. The breed's head is proportionate to its body, featuring a modest size and a straighter profile compared to most Mysore-type cattle. The erect and pointed ears are small in size, while the eyes, adorned with black rings, are prominent and dark.^[10]

Food habits

Korangaadu, a Kongu Tamil word for dry-grass silvi-pasture land is most suitable landscape for this breed.^[13] The staple food of this breed that grow in this region are Kollukattaipul (Cenchrus ciliaris), Vennampul (Trachys muricata), Ottampul (Setaria verticillata) and legumes such as Naripayathan Kodi (Phaseolus trilobus). The pods that fall from the Vellai Velan tree (Acacia leucophloea) are the supplementary fodder.^[4]

Poochi Kaalai (a stud bull) is selected on the basis of its height, the length of its legs, and the formation of its hump. When the bulls attain a moderate level of dentition around three years of age, they are left to cover the heifers to get the best offspring. The cows usually calve 12 times in their lifecycle.^[4]

Color

The calves are red when born, but change to grey by the age of two; cows are grey or dark grey, bulls are darker and may be black on the head and foreparts. The colour of cows and oxen fades as they age, and cows may become completely white.^[5]: 214

Kangayam cattle primarily exhibit gray or white coloration. Male individuals typically display a gray hue with black or dark gray patches on the head, neck, hump, and quarters. On the other hand, cows predominantly possess white and gray coats, often adorned with distinct markings on the knees and above the fetlocks of all four legs. Calves exhibit shades of light or dark brown, with gray or white areas on the inner thighs, ears, and forelegs. Occasionally, gray or white rings can be observed on the pasterns and fetlocks. As heifers reach two years of age, they transition to a gray or dark gray color, which persists into maturity. However, as the animals age beyond maturity, their color fades, eventually turning white. Male calves gradually become dark gray or iron gray, with intensified black shading on the head, neck, hump, dewlap, forequarters, and hindquarters. Castrated males, however, exhibit a gradual fading of this coloration.^[10]