Thiruvazhamkunnu offers rare sight; one jostling cow paradise

THRISSUR: The livestock research station in Thiruvazhamkunnu offers a rare sight. In the 30-meter-long space, cattle stroll easily bothering none. The bovines don't have any marks nor any ropes through their nose or anything lassoed on their necks. They are simply set loose on the plains. The place is known as 'Freedom Stall'.

Under Dr. A Prasad’s guidance, 10 Vechur cows were released inside the freedom stall. A shed is anytime ready to offer coverings for these bovines from sunlight and rain, but is not fixed and will be used only when needed. The experiment started five months before and the results produced were startling. The cows got in more harmony with humans and were more energized and jostling from the cows restricted to sheds. According to experts, the cows are also free from bacterial diseases if allowed such a life.

The idea emanated 50 years ago in Britain. In 1964, the book 'Animal Machines' by Ruth Harrison critiqued the use of bovines as machines for drawing milk, thereby giving the impetus for the idea to be worked into a reality.