Vechur cattle, once popular in southern Kerala (India) is on the verge of extinction. By extensive search the few remaining animals could be traced. They are being conserved by Kerala Agricultural University. Cows are extremely sma.ll in size, i.e. weighing around 125 kg with a height of not more than 90 cm They are capable of producing 2–3 kg fat milk per day. Heat tolerance, disease resistance and general adaptability are added qualities. Age at first calving is three years and the intercalving period 14 months. As a part of characterization of these animals, cytogenetic, biochemical, immunogenetic studies as well as blood typing, milk composition and fat globule studies have been taken up.