query

[Guest guest]

On 21 Oct 1999, Ananda Maya wrote:

 

> Prabhus,

> PAMHO AGTSP

>

> "c) Gradual weaning can be prior to 6 months If the calf's coat color or it

> looses interest in milk (ruling out illness)."

>

> The above taken from the minimum cow standards I find slighty confusing. I

> can understand the gradual weaning process and the reference to loss of

> interest due to illness etc. But can anyone expand on the reference to coat

> colour? I have never come across any reference to coat colour, and would

> consider the condition of the coat more relevant in determining overall

> condition, infection, physical ailments etc. Is there some great

> significance regarding coat colour and calf feeding? Sorry, but my

> experience on cow-herding is gained on the job, and I may not be well versed

> in some insider lore, although from years working around farmers I have

> never come across any reference such as this.

> ys

 

Comment:

Overall condition, implies the condition the body is in including the colour.

This is due to a change in diet, in this case from a largely milk diet to

forage. This is related to the stomach being modified from a single pouch to

four compartments, wherein each compartment has a seperate function. At this

time the animals coat both in texture and colouration changes from that of a

calf to an adult coat (coarser in texture, richer and darker - depending on

breed). This change in colour is indicative of the lack of need for large

amounts of milk because the stomach is no longer suited to the milk diet, but

one of forage fermentation and absorption. Depending upon breed this occurs

between the fourth and sixth month in all taurus breeds and later (some as

late as two years) in all indicus breeds.

ys, Rohita dasa