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White paper to be released on patent row over Vechoor cow

The controversy over the alleged transfer of the Vechoor cow germ plasm outside the country is forcing research organisations to tighten their loose ends.

Kerala Agricultural University vice-chancellor K N Shyamasundaran Nair said on Saturday that the KAU would soon release a white paper on the controversy.

The KAU project was launched in 1989 and since then 90 cows and ten bulls of the species were being reared at the Mannuthy College of Veterinary Sciences at Thrissur.

He said scientists' personal integrity and honesty should not be called into question when discussing crucial scientific issues. ''If they are viewed with suspicion, it would stunt scientific advancement'', he added.

When reports regarding the sale of 28 Vechoor cows were brought to his notice, he said this was done as a measure for breed improvement as the cows sold were comparatively impure.

The investigation into the death of cows on the campus had revealed the ingestion of a toxic chemical.

The police, the vigilance department and the government were carrying out separate investigations into the incident, he disclosed.

UNI

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