Such pictures often go viral on social media which surprise at first sight. One such picture has emerged from Andhra Pradesh, in which a plastic bottle was seen tied to the leg of a cow with udders full of milk.
At first glance this may seem a bit strange, but the hidden logic behind it is an example of the farmer’s wisdom and love for animals.
Wounds on the legs of cows are a common problem in dairy farming. If the cow sits on the injured side, there is a risk of infection increasing due to pressure. This not only causes unbearable pain to the cow, but also has a direct impact on its milk production capacity. Farmers who cannot buy expensive ‘cow mats’ due to financial constraints have found a simple solution – plastic bottles.
How does this method work?
When a farmer ties a bottle to the injured leg of a cow, it has two main benefits. As soon as the cow tries to sit on that side, the plastic bottle makes a sound which alerts the cow. Due to the discomfort caused by the bottle, the cow is forced to sit on the other (non-wounded) side. This does not put pressure on the wound and it heals quickly.
Precautions are also necessary
According to veterinarians, this method is effective but it is very important to keep some things in mind while adopting it. Do not tie the bottle too tightly, otherwise the blood flow may stop. Instead of cotton rope, a strip of soft cloth should be used. The edges of the bottle should not be sharp. It should be cut and taped at the edges so that the cow does not get hurt. Wet soil is like an enemy for an injured animal. It is better to spread dry grass or old sacks on the seating area.