Many people enjoy dairy farming, but do you know how farmers take care of their cattle?
Recently, during a visit to a farm abroad, tourists were astonished to see how the caretakers managed the cows: instead of leisurely grazing in the fields, the cows had a large hole on their sides, which looked quite frightening.
The cows had a large hole on their sides, which looked quite frightening.
Many visitors were surprised to see these large holes on the backs of dairy cows. These holes appeared quite alarming. However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that in order to monitor the health status of the dairy cows at any given time, and based on that, to select appropriate feed that maximizes milk production and extends the cows’ lifespan, farmers in Switzerland created an opening in the sides of the dairy cows.
In the dairy farms of Switzerland, a large cavity is created in each cow’s abdomen, into which a tube is inserted. This tube allows them to directly reach into the cow’s stomach to manage the feed.
As a result, each dairy cow undergoes a surgical procedure to attach a tube-like device to its body, enabling staff to directly access the cow’s stomach to manage its feed. If the cow’s digestive system encounters issues, the staff can directly check through this tube, and if necessary, they can administer medication directly into the stomach, helping the cows to digest more easily.
A large cavity is created in each cow’s abdomen, into which a tube is inserted.
Not only that, but they can also assess the health status of the dairy cows at any time, allowing them to choose appropriate feed that helps extend the cows’ lifespan.
This tube allows them to directly reach into the cow’s stomach to manage the feed.
Of course, to prevent bacteria from invading the internal organs and causing illness in the cows, they use special caps to seal the tube.
According to farm staff, the opening is similar to a type of piercing. Just like our ear piercings, these cows do not encounter any danger at all.
Their lifespan is said to be unaffected by this special device. And although the surgical procedure may seem painful, the doctors ensure that the incision heals around the tube (of course, the healing process will be painful).
Currently, the cost for a tube installation procedure is about $300 per cow, and these tubes can last the lifetime of the cows without needing replacement or reinstallation.
Some people believe this is an unnatural and quite cruel method.
Although the explanation from the workers here is quite reasonable, this method has led to two opposing viewpoints. Some organizations argue that this method essentially supports farmers in increasing milk production and extending the lifespan of the cattle. Meanwhile, others believe that this is an unnatural and quite cruel method.
Regardless of how beneficial this method may be, those large holes and tubes are enough to send shivers down our spines.
It is thought that, regardless of how beneficial this method may be, those large holes and tubes are enough to send shivers down our spines. Is there any more “humane” method that can achieve similar results as this method?
