KATHMANDU, JUNE 22 Indigenous cattle breeds in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality are rapidly declining due to modernization, mechanisation and changing livelihood patterns. Local records show a drop of 2,345 cattle over the past eight years, as farmers increasingly shift to buffalo farming and mechanised farming tools. Locals say low milk yield, reduced agricultural use of oxen and migration of youth have contributed to the decline. Traditional reliance on cattle for farming and rituals is also weakening. Experts warn that indigenous cattle, valued for their milk quality and cultural significance, are becoming rare and confined mostly to temples and religious sites. Authorities say efforts are underway to conserve local breeds through veterinary support and improved livestock management programmes. (With inputs from RSS)