Achhami is an indigenous cattle breed located in the far western region ofNepal. This is claimed as the smallest
cattle breed in the world. This has several positive attributes such as hardy to many economically important
diseases, adaptable to local environment and can produce even in low input system. However the baseline
survey of this study shows this cattle is now in endangered stage with population of only 863 in Achham
district. Realizing the fact, a study was initiated in 2006 with an objective for its conservation and utilization.
This paper emphasizes the phenotypic and productive performance of Achhami cattle. The results showed that
adult weight was I 50±0.4 7 kg and body length, heart girth and height girth were 1 00 ems, 116 ems and 86 ems
respectively. The average daily milk yield was 1.5±0.47 litres with a lactation length ranges from 180 to 270
days. Achhami cattle mature sexually at 36 months and age at first calving is 46 months. A total of 55 cattle
were included for milk recording in Achham district. The results obtained through monitoring for 5 months
(Mangsir to Chaitra) showed that Achhami cattle produced 1.5 litre milk per day ranging from 0.5 to 2.4 ± 0.85
litres. The great variation in milk production and tremendous declination in the population ofthis breed needs
the serious attention of all the responsible authority.

Achhami is an indigenous cattle breed located in the far western region ofNepal. This is claimed as the smallest
cattle breed in the world. This has several positive attributes such as hardy to many economically important
diseases, adaptable to local environment and can produce even in low input system. However the baseline
survey of this study shows this cattle is now in endangered stage with population of only 863 in Achham
district. Realizing the fact, a study was initiated in 2006 with an objective for its conservation and utilization.
This paper emphasizes the phenotypic and productive performance of Achhami cattle. The results showed that
adult weight was I 50±0.4 7 kg and body length, heart girth and height girth were 1 00 ems, 116 ems and 86 ems
respectively. The average daily milk yield was 1.5±0.47 litres with a lactation length ranges from 180 to 270
days. Achhami cattle mature sexually at 36 months and age at first calving is 46 months. A total of 55 cattle
were included for milk recording in Achham district. The results obtained through monitoring for 5 months
(Mangsir to Chaitra) showed that Achhami cattle produced 1.5 litre milk per day ranging from 0.5 to 2.4 ± 0.85
litres. The great variation in milk production and tremendous declination in the population ofthis breed needs
the serious attention of all the responsible authority.