Far away from the mainland, on the serene Teressa Island and other parts of the Nicobar group, lives a special goat breed known as Teressa or Pookore. For generations, the Nicobari tribes have raised this hardy animal in harmony with nature. The Teressa goat is more than livestock. It is a part of the tribal heritage, offering nutrition, livelihood, and resilience in a place where resources are limited and connectivity is often low.
This goat has lived and evolved in these islands for centuries, adapting beautifully to the climate, vegetation, and way of life. Without needing much input or intervention, the Teressa goat thrives in the island environment. This makes it a low-maintenance and sustainable option for farmers looking for income through animal husbandry.
Recognising the Teressa Goat
Teressa goats come in a variety of coat colors including dark tan, light brown, white and brown mix, or black and brown mix. Most females tend to have lighter shades with white patches. A special feature is the white line that starts from the inner corners of the eyes or eyebrows and runs down to the nose or mouth, giving them a distinctive appearance. They also have a line of black hair running along their back to the tail, which adds to their uniqueness.
Both males and females have two horns, small in size but neatly shaped. The horns are usually curved backward or sideways, giving them an elegant look. These goats have hair rather than wool, making them more suited for warm and humid climates like the Nicobar Islands.
Size and Strength
Though small to medium in size, Teressa goats are quite strong and well-built. Males weigh about 40 kg on average, while females weigh nearly 32 kg. Males stand around 68 cm tall and females about 58 cm. Their heart girth and body length indicate strong body frames capable of good weight gain under natural grazing systems.
Birth weight of kids ranges between 1.2 and 1.4 kg, and they grow steadily with proper feeding and health care. These goats are not just good-looking; they are productive too.
A Reliable Source of Meat
Meat is the primary purpose for raising Teressa goats. They grow fast, have a dressing percentage of about 47 percent, and are well-suited for local consumption and market sale. The breed is known for its quality meat which is tender, flavorful, and free from chemical additives.
While milk production is not the focus, the breed can yield up to 180 kg of milk in a lactation under ideal conditions. This can be an added benefit for household consumption or feeding young kids.
Reproduction and Kid Rearing
One of the best things about Teressa goats is their early maturity. On average, females give birth for the first time around 12 to 13 months of age. They have a short kidding interval of about 7 to 8 months, which allows for faster herd growth. Each kidding usually results in one to two kids, with an average litter size of 1.5.
These features make Teressa goats ideal for smallholder farmers who want regular income from meat or want to increase their herd size quickly.
Management and Farming Practices
Teressa goats are mostly reared under extensive systems. They graze freely in natural pastures during the day and are brought back home in the evening. They do not require concentrated feed, making them economical to rear.
Their ability to survive and perform well in island conditions with minimal human intervention shows their natural resilience. The Nicobari tribal communities take pride in maintaining the purity of this breed through traditional knowledge and care.
No fancy infrastructure is needed. Just access to clean grazing areas, a simple shed for night shelter, and basic healthcare support is enough to keep them healthy and productive.
Future Potential and Conservation
Though the Teressa goat is a gem of the islands, it remains unknown to most of the country. With growing demand for naturally reared, local meat, and the unique genetics of this breed, there is great potential for scaling up its rearing.
However, there is also a risk. As modern breeds and crossbreeding increase, the pure Teressa goat may slowly decline if not preserved. There are no breed societies or herd books yet, so government and research institutions must step in to document, conserve, and support farmers who continue to rear this indigenous treasure.
The Teressa goat is more than just livestock. It is a symbol of cultural pride and sustainable farming. For the tribal farmers of the Nicobar Islands, it provides meat, income, and resilience in challenging environments. With minimal inputs and strong performance, it stands out as a farmer-friendly breed that deserves attention and protection.
As more farmers, scientists, and policymakers recognize its value, the Teressa goat could become a model of indigenous livestock success. It has the power to bridge tradition with opportunity and help island communities thrive with dignity.
