India’s “White Revolution” has harmed cows in dairies, according to the latest survey conducted by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO). FIAPO’s investigative report “Cattle-logue” accounts how most cows raised in dairies are intensively confined, leaving them unable to nurse their calves. The cows are genetically manipulated and pumped with antibiotics and hormones in order to produce more milk.
According to the report, only 14% dairies across the country are registered under respective municipal corporations or with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), 58% dairies had animals suffering from illnesses, while 84% dairy owners depended on vet-on-call services for medical aid. As high as 58% farms feed their cattle less than half of the desired minimum quantity (20 kg) per day, since the quality and quantity of fodder depends on the economic status of the dairy owners. No arrangement for shelter can be found in the dairies. Around 25% of the dairies can be found without any arrangement for shelter and had housing in the form of thatched roof sheds, roadside areas, etc. In Delhi’s Kotla dairy, the survey found that animals were tied next to an open sewage drain. Most dairies are found to have either brick or cement flooring. Hard floors cause injuries, lameness as well as joint problems to cattle. As high as 79% dairies across the country did not have access to soft ground, and 64% dairies were observed to have animals with untreated bruises, tumour and fractures. Animals were found to be kept tethered at all times in 9% of the dairies. The tethers are extremely short to accommodate the maximum number of cattle in a small area.
The survey pointed out that unproductive cattle was being sold to economically weaker farmers for their personal use or the slaughterhouses by 62.9% dairies. Another practice that the report highlights is the use of khalbaccha, an effigy made by stuffing a dead calf with hay. Because of strong maternal bonds, the mother often stops lactating if the calf has died. Hence, a khalbaccha is routinely used to mimic the presence of a calf and continue milking.
Arpan Sharma, director, FIAPO, told The Sunday Guardian: “This situation persists mainly because all these methods are considered ‘normal’ and best practice in terms of economic gain and cost cutting for profits, by the dairy industry. We call for urgent and strict implementation of the existing laws of animal welfare as well as urban governance. It also highlights the need for additional regulation in select areas where there are significant violations of acceptable conditions for dairy animals. The White Revolution has benefited us a lot, but the cost of this revolution is being paid by our animals. This can change though.”