COW PROTECTION

In 1973, Europe's first Cow Protection Project was started at Bhaktivedanta Manor. As the name suggests, the cows are cared for during their entire lives. The programme aims to show how cows and bulls living in a cruelty-free environment will give milk and do agricultural work and transport.

The Cow Protection Project is set within the Bhaktivedanta Manor's estate of 77 acres. From the shelter of the cow barns the cows wander each day into the pastures and woodlands to graze. Their lives are natural and carefree, under the devotional farm management and congregational community.

There are currently almost 30 oxen (bulls) in the herd, with an annual increase of 3 calves per year. The breeding schedule will eventually reach a plateau of about 60 animals. About 7 cows give 20,000 litres of milk a year. The newborn calves drink to their fill for about 10 to 12 days, and then, when they start to nibble grass, they are pastured separately from their mums but still get their milk twice a day. After 5 or 6 months, they no longer need daily milk.

Our bulls really begin their productive life when they reach age three, at which time they are trained to plough and to pull carts and equipment. Being naturally muscular and strong they thrive when their power is put to practical use. Besides carting, they help pull the mowers and turners for hay-making. They also like to drive the gear system for making flour and rolling their own food. Ploughing is a special challenge for them because they have to walk in a very straight line, but with a bit of practice they easily master it. Sometimes they are invited to the local towns for carnivals and processions, and often they take the lead position. Each year thousands of children from across the country are enchanted by the oxen, as the kids are driven on a tour of the farm and grounds by an ox-wagon designed for this purpose.

The cows and oxen are a part of the life of the residents and guests of Bhaktivedanta Manor. The Manor offers an alternative, God-centred and natural life to anyone challenged by the complexities of modern life. In our care for the cows we recognise the economic challenges of maintaining such large animals in an environment of cheap food and in a country primarily non-vegetarian in diet. However, the cows produce an auspicious atmosphere of good fortune and mental satisfaction that is hard to value but can only be experienced.

The special, God-given symbiosis between cows and man is especially important and historically inseparable. We know that by pleasing the cows and bulls, humanity simultaneously pleases the Supreme Lord, Krishna.
We warmly invite you to visit the Bhaktivedanta Manor Cow Protection Project any day between 0900 and 1800, and if you want a guided tour, then watch for the open days.

If you want to bring some food for the cows, the suitable things are carrots, cabbages, potatoes, spinach and gur (jaggery-sugar). Please ensure that you ask a member of the farm staff before feeding the cows. (It is likely that you will be asked to feed only a token, the rest being put aside for later).

Copyright © Bhaktivedanta Manor 2008
UK Headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
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