IMPORTANCE OF COW’S URINE FROM SCIENCE PROSPECTIVE
Cow Urine Content
Since ancient times holistic healing, being practiced by Ayurveda Vaidyas was very close to nature because naturally available herbs, minerals, metals and animal products are used in the preparation of medicines. Milk, urine, horns, shells of many animals, feather of peacock, are the common animal products which are in regular use. Among them the major contributor is the cow. The milk and products made out of milk, urine, and cow-dung are regularly used in preparation of medicines. Even though the indications and efficacy of these products are time tested and explained in Ayurvedic classics, the modern medical world needs research based proof to use them in therapeutics. Here is an effort to bring some of such research based documentation to the perusal of medical fraternity.
Cow urine in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, there are many medicines made from cow urine, milk, dung, ghee, curds. This purifies, and clears all blocks in bodily channels (shroto-shodhaka). It enhances the therapeutic actions of medicines taken along with it. It has been found to be very effective in worm infestations, skin diseases, urticaria and allergic rashes, pain abdomen due to indigestion, constipation, and ascitis, etc.
Cow’s urine is widely used in the Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals for enhancing the properties of many drugs, by giving bhavana (repeated trituration). In shodhana (purification) of metals used in therapeutics, cow urine was extensively used. Charaka, Sushruta and all other ancient physicians have given prime importance to cow’s urine. In Ayurveda, the colour of cow is also very important. Milk or urine of cow of particular has been mentioned for a specific therapeutic use. Even though urine of many animals is used in preparing medicines, cow’s urine has been found to be the best among all.
Research on Panchagavya
1. Chemical Composition of Cows Urine
Water – 95%
Urea – 2.5%
Minerals
Salts 2.5%
Hormones
Enzymes
Chemical Constituents of healthy cow urine
1 Urine volume 17-45ml/kg/day
2 Specific gravity 1.025-1.045
3 pH 7.4-8.4
4 Urea nitrogen 23-28ml/kg/day
5 Ammonia nitrogen 1-1.7ml/kg/day
5 Total nitrogen 40.45ml/kg/day
7 Allantoin 20-60ml/kg/day
8 Calcium 0.1-1.4ml/kg/day
9 Chloride 0.1-1.1mmol/kg/day
10 Coproporphyrin 5-14micogram/dl
11 Creatinine 15-20mg/kg/day
12 Magnesium 3.7mg/kg/day
13 Potassium 0.08-0.15mmol/kg/day
14 Sodium 0.2-1.1mmol/kg/day
15 Sulphate 3-5mg/kg/day
16 Uric acid 1-4mg/kg/day
17 Uroporphyrin 1.5-7.0mg/dl
18 Leucocyte <15micro It
19 Glucose Nil
20 Protein Nil
21 Haemoglobin Nil
In healthy cows’ urine protein, glucose and hemoglobin are not found.
1. Urea – Product of Protein metabolism. Strong antimicrobial Agent.
2. Uric acid – Antimicrobial Activity helps to control infections.
3. Nitrogen – Diuretic, Stimulates Kidney.
4. Sulphur – Purifies blood, increases intestinal peristalysis
5. Copper – Controls fat deposition
6. Iron – Production of RBC in blood.
7. Sodium – Purifies blood, checks hyperacidity.
8. Potassium – Appetizer, eliminates muscles Fatigue
9. Other Salts – Antibacterial
10. Carbolic Acid – Antibacterial, prevents Gas Gangrenes
11. Ammonia – helps to maintain Integrity of body tissue & blood.
12. Sugar-Lactose – prevents thirst & Giddiness
13. Vitamin A,B,C,D,E – Prevent excessive thirst, infuse vigour and vitality
14. Creatinine – Antibacterial
15. Aurum hydroxide – Antibacterial, improves immunity, acts as antidote
(Swarna Kshar)
16. Enzyme-urokinase – dissolves blood clot, improves heart disease, blood
circulation.
17. Colony Stimulating factor – Effective for cell division & multiplication.
18. Erythropoietin stimulating factor – Production of RBCs.
19. Gonadotropin – Promotes menstrual cycle, sperm production
20. Kallikrein – Releases Kallidin which expands peripheral veins and reduces blood pressure.
21. Allantoin – Heals wounds & tumors
22. Anticancer substances – Prevents multiplication of carcinogenic cells
23. Phenols – Bactericidal, antifungal.
Enzymes
Lactate-Dehydrogenase – 21.780 unit |lt
Alkaline Phosphotase – 110.110 KA Unit
Acid Phosphotase – 456.620 XA unit
Amylase – 90.236 unit
Vit-c – 216.408mg|lt
Vit-B1 – 444.125 microgram|lt
Vit-B2 – 0.6339mg|lt
Protein – 0.1037gm|lt
Uric Acid – 135.028mg|lt
Creatinine – 0.9970 g|lt
Lactate – 3.7830 milimole|lt
Phenol – 4.7580mg|100ml
Free volatile phenol – 0.7130mg|100ml
Compound volatile phenol – 1.3420mg|100ml
Aromatic hydroxy acid – 2.7030mg|100ml
Calcium – 5.735 milimol|lt
Phosphorous – 0.4805milimol|lt
Indications of Goumootra
Indigestion Worm infestations
Diarrhoea Cough & cold
Acidity Toxicity
Epilepsy Liver Disorder
Tumors Eyes / Ear Problems
Diabetes Sexual Disorder
Weakness Skin Diseases
Hypertension Wounds, Ulcers
Urinary Disorder Pain
Tuberculosis Heart Diseases
Fever Obesity
Actions of Cow urine
Cow urine has laxative, carminative and digestive properties. It expels the Ama
(improperly digested, /toxic). One of the synonyms of disease in Ayurveda is Amaya. It has been observed in Ayurveda clinics, when Arka is given as adjuvant with other medicines, it enhances the efficacy of the drug.
Study of anti-diabetic property of cow urine in rats
Diabetes is a major public health problem. It is ranked fifth among the leading causes of death. The study of anti-diabetic property of cow urine in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats was carried out in the present investigation
The present study was planned to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of urine fromHallikar breed of cow, to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of cow urine.
Diabetes was induced in rats by intra-peritonial administration of Streptozotocin at the dose rate of 45 mg/kg and 96 h after administration of Streptozotocin, the rats with serum glucose concentrations above 200 mg/dl were taken for the study and the effect of cow urine at 3 different doses viz., 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 ml/150 g respectively were evaluated against this model in terms of estimation of certain biomarkers of diabetes – induced patho-biochemical complications and histo-pathological examination. The results obtained after treating the experimentally induced diabetes in rats with cow urine by oral gavages are summarized.
The determination of body weights revealed a significant (P<0.001) and consistent reduction in weight gain in the diabetic control group. Body weights of the group treated with cow urine showed significant increase (P< 0.001) in the body weight as compared to normal control. But compared with standard drug Glibenclamide (group III), the treatment group (IV, V and VI) showed significantly lower body weight (P<0.001) on Day 28.
The estimation of blood glucose in all the groups, except normal control (Group I) revealed a significant increase (P<0.001) in blood glucose concentrations 96 h after Streptozotocin administration (Day 1). Cow urine treatment groups (group IV, V and VI) showed significant decrease (P< 0.01 or P<0.001) in serum glucose concentration and the decline started from the Day 7 itself.
After induction of diabetes, a significant increase (P<0.001) in serum cholesterol concentration was observed cholesterol concentration of the group treated with cow urine showed significant decrease (P<0.001) as compared to diabetic control. Administration of Glibenclamide showed significant reduction (P<0.01 or P<0.001) in the cholesterol.
But compared with standard drug, Glibenclamide (group III) the treatment group, (IV, V and VI) showed significant increase (P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P< 0.001) in total cholesterol concentration on Day 28.
There was a significant increase (P<0.001) in serum triglycerides concentration in diabetic animals over control group. Administration of Glibenclamide reduced triglycerides concentrations over diabetic control group. In the cow urine treated group concentrations were decreased significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.001) throughout the duration of study.
The BUN concentrations of Glibenclamide treated group and cow urine treated group revealed a significant decrease (P<0.001) at the end of experiment. But compared with group III, the treatment group VI showed significant increase (P<0.01) in blood urea nitrogen concentration on Day 28.
The creatinine concentrations of cow urine treated groups showed a significant decrease (P<0.05 or P<0.001) when compared to the diabetic control. Compared with Glibenclamide (group III) the treatment group (IV, V and VI) showed significant increase (P<0.001) in serum creatinine concentration on Day 28.
Cow urine treatment groups (group IV, V and VI) showed significant increase (P<0.001) in serum insulin concentration. Administration of Glibenclamide increased serum insulin concentrations over diabetic control group. Compared with standard drug Glibenclamide (group III) the treatment group (IV, V and VI) showed significant decrease (P<0.001) in serum insulin concentration on Day 28.
The clinical examination of rats following induction of diabetes revealed the dullness, depression and general loss of concentration in the diabetic controls. The groups treated with cow urine and Glibenclamide showed greater improvement.
The histopathology of the liver revealed severe congestion, hemorrhages, swollen hepatocytes in the diabetic control group whereas in the treatment groups there was a very mild congestion.
The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed a destruction of β-cells and necrosis in the diabetic control group. In the treatment groups there was a regeneration of β-cells.
The various parameters studied revealed that cow urine has the anti-diabetic property but compared with standard oral hypoglycemic drug Glibenclamide, cow urine has less effect. However, further research is needed to identify the active component or molecule which was responsible for anti-diabetic property of cow urine.
Research Papers on Cows Urine
1) Cows Urine as an Antimicrobial Agent
Kumari Namrata Y. Mahurker, Dessertation for MSc Microbiology –2006,
Shri Shivaji Education Society/ Amravti’s Science College, Nagpur.
– Gram Negative, Gram Positive bacteria, Fungi were significantly inhibited by concentrated cow’s urine.
Some of the constituents of urine which is related for microcidal properties
Halogenated Phenol – Antifungal.
2 Phenyl Phenol — Antimicrobial, Antiviral
Carbolic acid, Manganese — Antibacterial, Pesticide
Aurum Oxide – Antimicrobial, Antitoxic.
2. Antigenotoxic / Ameliorative effect of Ark in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Dr. Datta, S. Saravana Devi, K. Krishnamurthi, T.Chakravarthi, National Environmental Engineering Research, Institute , Nagpur.
The Arka and Redistilled arka is found to possess total antioxidant status of around 2.6mmol contributed mainly by volatile fatty acids (1500mg|litre). These fatty acids and other antioxidants might be responsible for the observed ameliorative effect. The chromosomal aberration caused by chemicals could be ameliorated by redistilled Ark (1,50,100ul)Antioxidant status in distillates-0.8mmol.Redistillate-2.6mmol. (ammonicalnitrogen– 15mg|litre.)
3) Effect of Cow Urine on Wounds.
A.K. Maheshwari, A.K.Gupta, AK Das, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B.Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. 263145.
– Cow Urine is having antiseptic properties. The urine implicated Wounds were found less infected and healing time is also less when compared to antiseptic cream. Administration of fresh urine orally has added effect on wound healing due to immunological properties.
4. – Effect of cows urine on health.
Dr. Amita Gupta- College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandary .Mathura.
Paper presented for MVSc in 2003.
5. -Effect of Malanad Gidda Cows Urine
BSc – Microbiology – Project Report 2005-2006, SRN Shetty memorial College. Shimoga.
Malanad Gidda cow’s urine is having antifungal activity. The metabolites of fungus during this process, is antimicrobial also. That is to say urine exerts direct action on fungus and indirectly on bacteria’s also
6. – Effect of Arka in various diseases.
Chandrashekhar Kundle, Bharat chauragade, Ajith Rawal. Nagpur.
Paper presented in World Ayurveda Congress-2002. Physical and Chemical composition of Urine and Arka and its effects on human beings is detailed.
7. – Prevention of Pathogenic Free Radicals through Cow Urine.
A.K. Singh, P.K. Singh, L.K. Singhal, D.K.Agarwal. College of Veterinary and Animal Science Pantnagar. IVRI Izatnagar.
Free radicals are molecules, which have lost electron. These free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule and steal the electron. This is a chain reaction of destruction. They can attack enzymes, fat, proteins, etc and causes DNA to mutate.
The Oxygen Free radicals (Reactive oxygen species) are produced due to – Phagocytes, Mitochondria function, Inflammation,
– Heavy Exercise, Cigarettes, Smoking, Pollution, radiation, Chemicals, Drugs, Altered Ozone level, Moulds, Burned Meat.
They cause mutation of cells. This in turn may predispose for
– Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer,
– Sclerosis, Stroke, Stress, Fibrosis, Cataract, Macular
– Degeneration, Aging.
Cow urine prevents the free radicals formation.
8. – Study of skin of Indigenous cows, Cross Bred cows and
Exotic cows
Dr. Govindayya , Deam.Veterinary college Shimoga. MVSc theses – 1974.
The Sebaceous glands of Desi cows are bigger in size, shape and are in larger number.
So that they produce more sebum.
9. – Effect of Arka on chromosomal aberration.
Dipanwita Datta. Submitted for MSc in Environment Science Indira GandhiAcademy of Environmental Education Research. Jiwji univercity . Gwaliar. (U.P)
The Arka could protect mitomyncin C induced chromosomal aberration. The Arka has Volatile acids about 39mg/ltrs. These Volatile Acids are Antioxidants, which show the ameliorating effect on DNA and protect DNA damage.
10. – Stage IV Oropharyngeal Carcinoma undergoes complete
Regression due to Amrutasara cow urine therapy.
Dr Satyashanker Varamudi .Kasaragod
11. – Anti Cancer properties of cow Urine (gou-mootra):
K Darma ,R S Chauhan, L Singhal. IVRI Izatnagar.
The cow Urine Therapy has shown potent Anti Cancer properties. The following properties are responsible for Anti Cancer property of Gou-mootra
DNA repairing potential
Cow urine efficiently repairs the damaged DNA. Damage of DNA by chemicals is the major cause for Cancer. This property reduces the spread of malignant cancers and helps fighting tumor.
Apoptosis inhibition
Lymphocytes undergo suicidal tendency due to chemicals.
Lymphocytes are major cells, which fight against cancer cells. Cow urine reduces apoptosis of Lymphocytes.
Antioxidant Property
The volatile fatty acids show antioxidant properties which controls damage in DNA.
Antimicrobial Activity
Many viruses are causing cancer. These microbes are killed by cow urine.
Bioenhancing Property
Bio-enhancers are substances which promote and augment the bioactivity or bio-availabilty or uptake of drugs. This will reduce the dosage & duration of antibiotic therepy and anticancer drugs like Taxol. Taxol is used in MCF-7 (breast cancer cells)
Free radical scavenger
The free radicals cause cell damage thereby inducing tumour cell growth or causes aging. Cow urine scavenges free radicals.
Immuno-modulating activity
Cow Urine has vital potential to enhance the activity of macrophages. Lymphocytes (both T & B cells) humoral cellular immunity, cytokines (Interleukin 1 & 2)
12. Increase of Immunity through Cows Urine
(Various Parameters)
1. B cell blastogenesis -59.5%
2. T cell blastogenesis -64.0%
3. Serum IgG level -19.8%
4. Serum IgM level -19.0%
5. Serum IgA level -0.53%
6. Macrophage function -104.0%
7. DTH reaction -126.0%
8. Interlukin 1 level -30.9%
9. Interlukin 2 level -11.0%
On the basis of chemical fingerprinting of Urine of different animals like Indigenous, cross bred, exotic, buffaloe, it is shown that Indigenous cow’s urine is highly effective whereas it is almost nil in cross bred, exotic cows and buffaloes. The special constituent in Desicow’s urine is ‘Rasayan Tatwa’ which is responsible for immune system and bioenhancer property.
13. Method of distinguishing Human & Bovine Milk samples based on soluble Phosphate content->
Sangeeta Mehta, C.S.Nautiyal
Sahiwal cow’s milk is closer to human mother’s milk because of its significantly lower soluble phosphate level when compared to H.F or Buffaloe.
14. Evaluation of Sedative and anticonvulsant activity of Unmada Nashak Ghrita.
Girish S. Achilya, Sudhir Wadekar, A.K. Dorle. Nagpur University. Nagpur.
Paper presented in 9/10/2003.
Unmada Nashak Ghrita is a Ayurvedic formulation containing Ferula narthex, Gardenia gummifera, Ellataria cardamom, Bacopa monneri, Cows ghee(76%) Unmada Nashak Ghrita has CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activity.
15. Effect of cow urine fertilizer on quality of grass growth.
Aoyagi Noojiro et- at Gumma Ken Nogyo, Skikenjo Hokokku 1974.
The application of Urine resulted in a marked increase of grass growth and this did not affect soil quality.
16. The Urine of Sacred cows.
G. Paul Moore. 7.2.2006. Suny Upstate Medical University Otolaryngology & Communication Science. Syracuse. New York.-
I recall doing research about 25 years ago. I came across a recipe / potion that had reportedly been used in India many years before, for the treatment of Laryngitis. Among other ingredients it contained the urine of sacred cows. This seems to be quite potent ingredient that, to this day, is used for medicinal purposes in the treatment of anything from stomach ailment to cancer. It can be mixed with herbs or taken straight. And I also learned that it is imported from India for use as a bio-pesticide. A good friend of mine said, “Everything old is new again.’’
17. Bioactivities of Cow Urine and Arka in agriculture.
Central Institute of Medical & Aromatic Plants. Lucknow – 226015.
Addition of cow’s urine in composting pits led to production of superior quality vermin-compost with higher concentrations of major macro and micro nutrients. Such Vermi-compost was found to be superior in terms of useful microflora (fungi, bacteria, actinomycosis).
18. Development of Cow Urine based disinfectant – 13.11.2005
S.A.Mandavgane, A.K.Rambhal, N.K.Mude. Priyadrshini Institute of Engineering Technology Nagpur-440019
Herbal disinfectant
Cow urine – 25ml
Neem extract – 37.5ml
Tulsi extract – 37.5ml
Ritha extract – 20ml
Pine oil – 10ml
This product is added to 1 liter of water. This can be used on any surface like walls, floors, tiles, bathrooms, and toilets. The cow urine has natural disinfectant and antiseptic qualities. The main constituent of cow urine that shows disinfectant activity is carbolic acid, which is a mixture of Phenol and Cresol.
19. -Cow Urine has Anti Leishmania effect
Sarman Singh, All India Institure of Medical Sciences- New Delhi.
Leishmaniasis(Kala azar) is a highly endemic disease in Indian Sub continent. The cow urine shows strong growth inhibitory action where as human urine found growth stimulator.
20. – Comparision of Mineral Profile in Urine of Cross bred, Sahiwal and Non-descript cow
GS Parihar, MKS Rajput, AK Upadhyay, M.Kumar, College of veterinary Animal Science. Pantnagar.
Concentration of some mineral like Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium were compared in the urine. Non descript cows showed maximum concentration of Zinc, Potassium, Calcium, but Iron is lowest. Cross-bred cattle showed minimum concentration of Zinc, Potassium, Calcium, but Iron is highest. Sahiwal cows showed average concentrations.
This is to say that the concentration of minerals in urine of different breeds differs.
21. – Effect of Panchagavya on E. coli in procured Milk.
A.Subramaniam, MD – CDCMPU. Pachapalayan, Coimbatore.
Panchagavya – Urine, Dung, Milk, Curds, Ghee and Sugarcane juice, Tender coconut water and Bananas mixed and kept for 21days.The result throws more light on the mechanic of selective destruction of E.coli in procured milk.
22. – Conjugated Lineolic acid – anti cancer compound in milk.
Dale Bauman. Professor of Animal Science.Cornell Reasearch Farm Dryden.
Conjugated Lineolic acid suppresses carcinogens and inhibits colon| prostate | ovary | breast cancers and leukemia. CLA even in extremely low concentrations (0.05/=) in milk inhibits carcinogens.
23. – Effect of Cow Urine on Biochemical Parameters of white leghorn layers.
Nidhi Garg, Ashok Kumar, R.S.Chauhan, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences. Pantnagar. IVRI Izatnagar.
Cow Urine was given to the treated group at 1ml per bird.
Serum Protein – 14.71% increase
Serum Glucose – 37.81% increase
Serum Calcium – 28.85% increase
Serum cholesterol – 30.26% increase
24. – Effect of cow urine an Lymphocyte Proliferation in developing stages of chicks.
P.Kumar, G.K. Singh, R.S.Chauhan, P.P.Singh,
College of Veterinary and Animal Sceince. Pantnagar, IVRI Izatnagar.
Distilled cow urine at 10ml|litre of drinking water was given to the chicks from age 0 to 28 days. T-cell and B-cell blastogenesis assay was performed.
Lymphocyte proliferation assay shows that there is T and B cells become functional with increasing efficacy from day of hatch.
25. – Effect of cow Urine on the Production & quality Traits of Eggs.
Nidhi Garg, A.Kumar, R.S. Chauhan, L.K. Signhal, M.Lohani. IVRI Izatnagar.
There is significant increase in egg production egg weight, shape index, albumin length, albumin index, yolk index, and shell thick-ness, shell weight. This can be used as feed additive to get good quality eggs.
26. – Cow’s urine concoction:-
A Traditional Herbal preparation commonly administered to convulsing children in Yoruba speaking people of Nigeria. Paper presented in Universityof Ife Ife. Nigeria.
27. – A study of the effect of Ashta Mangal Ghrit on Intelligence.
C V Gore. A K Dorle, Department of Psychology. Nagpur Univercity. Govigyan Anusandham Kendra Nagpur.
4 gms of Ashtamangal Ghrit was given every day for 4 months to the students. Academic performance and Intelligence test was performed. The result showed favorable effect on the intelligence of students.
PATENTS
1. June 22,2002 – 6410059
Pharmaceutical composition containing cow urine distillate and Antibiotics.
Khanuja et al. CSIR.
2. May 24, 2005 – 6896907
Use of bioactive factor from cow urine distillate as bio-enhancer of anti-infective,anticancer agents. et al. CSIR.
3. Nov.13-2003 – 0211119 AI – 2003
Chandrashekhar Nautiyal et.al
Synergistic bio-inoculants composition comprising Bacterial Strains in Milk of Sahiwal cow and method of producing said composition.
4. Dec. 9 – 2004 – 0248738 AI – 2004
Chandrashekhar Nautiyal et.al.
Synergistic fermented plant growth promoting bio-control composition – produced from cow’s urine, neem, and garlic.
28. Agnihotra – effect on air borne microorganisms.
Archana, Divya, Shalini,Suma.
BSc Microbiology – Project Report. SRN Shetty memorial college Shimoga
– The use of cow dung cake and cows pure ghee releases Formaldehyde, Ethylene oxide, Propylene Oxide, B-propiolactone, acetylene. These gases are eco-friendly and they purifies air.
There was 100% reduction in fungal count and 94% reduction in bacterial count. The Agnihotra ash can be used in seed treatment, soil treatment and human medicines also.
Incredible Indian Cow
India since ancient time is known for dairying. Farmers maintained cows for their agricultural purpose like ploughing, transportation manure and pest repellents.
After Independence, Indian Government took a wrong project by introducing foreign breeds with the intention to increase milk yield. In the course of time we may have achieved self sufficiency in milk production, but in the process, we lost the quality and purity of milk. With this the importance of Indigenous cattle breeds started losing ground. Economy of modern dairying is totally on milk, which is not at all suggested for poor farmers. This policy won’t stand for a long period. Cow based agriculture and economy is the permanent one. To achieve this, Indigenous cows are the only answer.
The present mania of promoting exotic breed should be stopped and we should look back what has happened to our agriculture.
Every farmer, Goushala, should think twice and should save our Goumatha from extinction.
In this view some of salient features of Indigenous cows are discussed here.
Maintenance:
Indigenous cows (Bos indicus) can be maintained very easily any where even under the tree. Some of the small breeds require almost zero budgets. Malenadu Gidda, Vechur, Kasaragod, Baragur etc breeds can be maintained with kitchen waste. They go out for grazing in the day and only milking cows comes to the shed. Locally available food / veterinary aid, low cost shed etc are provided to these cattle’s.
For exotic breeds, we require modern facilities, almost a hospital atmosphere. A poor farmer cannot provide a high-tech living to the cows. Since these are developed only for milk and meat, they lost their many natural characters like bellowing, affectionate etc.
Skin:-
Skin is the major organ which helps in thermo regulation, water balance and protection. Indian climatic condition is so diverse that exotic breeds cannot adjust to these variations.
Some of the special characters of Indigenous cows
Skin area per cow is more – hump, dewlap, long ears, loose skin helps to
increase the skin area. This helps in more sweating and better
Thermo-regulation.
Sebaceous Glands – are more in number, bigger in size and shape.
This facilitates for increased sweat quantity.
These glands secrete oily liquid which coats on the skin and gives a
different smell. This oil secretion protects the body from rain and
ectoparasites.
Muscular layer under the skin is so special that it twitches locally when a
fly bites. Due to this twitching the fly runs away.
Small hairs keep skin clean and shiny.
These are the reasons why the Indigenous bullocks can work in soaring
sun or cows grazing in rainy forest areas with ease.
But in Bos taurus, the skin is having less sebaceous gland, more hairs, and are developed in cold condition. Bullocks are lethargic.
Tail: The length of tail and switches are long. The first bone in the series of tailbone is rudimentary so that it facilitates the tail to turn all around and can keep away the flies. The long tail can reach to far extent of the body. In India the flies are more when compared to European countries. To protect from these flies, this anatomical specialty is helpful.
Hooves: The hooves are hard, small and placed closely. This makes the bullocks to work in the field with ease. The soft hooves of Exotic cows are always prone for fungal infections.
Chromosomes: The total number of chromosomes in Bos indicus and Bos taurusare same. The difference between the Y sex chromosome is significant. In Bos indicus it is acrocentric and in Bos taurus it is Metacentric. The mixing of these breed causes mismatching in Y chromosomes. This phenomenon is mainly seen in 2nd or 3rd generation. This mismatching is reflected by infertility in cows. This is the reason behind the major fertility problems in cross breed cows.
Disease Resistance: Unparallel disease resistance ability of Indigenous cows makes them easily maintainable and results in low input, low cost dairying. All the foreign countries imported these cows mainly for this purpose. Since the diseases are less, medicines required are less so that the cow milk is always of higher medical value. For the general diseases the locally available medicines and technology is more than sufficient. Since this power is by inheritance, the value doesn’t alter much, whether it is stall-fed or let out for grazing.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The activity inside the body cells is gauged as Basal Metabolic Rate
In Bos indicus, BMR is very low. That is why low quality food in minimum quantity will make the cow carrying on. When good food is available the body condition comes to normal. If the cows go down in a draught condition, this can retrieve by good food.
In Bos taurus, the BMR is high. Best quality food in optimum quantity should be supplied throughout the life. When this is broken, the body condition goes down and never comes to normal. Milk yield and fertility goes down permanently.
Working ability: Indigenous bullocks have strong long bones, strong musculature. They possess good heat adopt ability and water holding capacity. They can work for long hours for ploughing in the field and can pull the cart for long distances, without food and water. The hump gives extra support so that the cross bars of bullock cart does not slips back. Bulls are prized more than the cows. Most of the Indigenous cows are maintained mainly for working purpose. The male calves are given full milk ration
Bos taurus bullocks cannot work in summer, and are lethargic. They are not suitable for agricultural or transportation purpose. In general the cross breed male calves are always facing to slaughter house.
Milk yield: In India, we have very good milking cows which are giving more than 15-20litres per day. Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Rathi, Sindhi are the champion milk breeds. By systematic maintenance and breeding policy, many breeds can be upgraded in milk yield property. Everyone should be cautious regarding quality of milk rather than quantity.
Comparison between 1 litre of good, medicinally valued creamy milk of Indigenous cow to the 10 litres of white watery milk of exotic cow is left to you!
If the prime importance was given to Indigenous milk breeds during white revolution era, the picture would have been different.
According to true cow based economy, dung and urine are the major source of economy; next comes bullock energy followed by the milk. But due to over importance to milk in these days, the Indigenous breeds are facing extinction.
Panchagavya :Milk, curds, ghee urine, dung when mixed is called Panchagavya. All mixed or some times alone are the best naturally available medicine. This increases resistant power, rejuvenates the cells, can control cancer, and reduce dosage of antibiotics. This can cure many diseases. This is very good pest repellent also. Cow provides manure and makes the soil rich with fertile. Dung can resist harmful radiations. This contains earth friendly microbes, which is essential for agriculture. In Ayurveda most medicines are made from Panchagavya.
COMPILED & SHARED BY- DR. RAJESH KUMAR SINGH, JAMSHEDPUR
Reference-on request
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