In the ancient feudal societies of many Asian countries, the policy of “emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce” was applied, where agriculture was considered the backbone of all dynasties. During this period, the level of scientific and technological development was still very backward, and people often had to rely on the labor of livestock for agricultural work, with cattle being one of the most common domesticated animals.
However, many people have noticed that cows exhibit a unique trait compared to other animals: they shed tears when slaughtered. Why is that?
Tears of a cow.
1. Cows – Essential Helpers for Humanity
With the development of the economy and society, livestock has become a source of rich nutrition, and beef has become popular at dining tables everywhere. In Western countries, beef is preferred over pork, and steak has become a staple at gatherings.
However, cows are not only valuable for providing food. In ancient times, when people did not have mechanized production tools, cows were widely used for labor, food, and even as sacrificial animals in religious ceremonies. The image of the cow is prevalent in the culture, art, and beliefs of many countries around the world.
In religious ceremonies, cows are often used as sacrificial offerings to seek good fortune, peace, and to express reverence to deities. They also appear in numerous works of art, legends, myths, and folklore across many nations. For example, in ancient Egypt, cows were seen as symbols of wealth and power; in India, they are revered as sacred animals; and in Vietnam, cows are viewed as gentle, hardworking creatures that symbolize prosperity.
Cows are widely used for labor and food…
Cows were the primary source of strength in ancient agriculture, helping humans plow fields, pull carts, transport goods, and assist in various labor-intensive tasks. Thanks to cows, people were able to cultivate land, increase crop yields, and improve their material living conditions.
2. The Secret Behind Cows Crying
Cows have brought many benefits to humanity, but ultimately they will age and become less productive. When cows are slaughtered, many people observe that they shed tears, leading to the belief that cows possess sentience and emotions towards humans. In fact, farmers in ancient times were very poor, and their entire livelihood depended on weather conditions. In years of bumper harvests, they would have enough to eat, but in times of drought or flooding, they could face famine.
In difficult circumstances, livestock at home was often considered the most valuable asset of a family, carrying hope and the essence of life. Farmers and their cattle lived in a symbiotic relationship, developing a special bond of emotion. Thus, when a cow faces slaughter, it may sense the somber atmosphere and shed tears.
The real reason cows cry is due to illness.
Many people believe that cows cry when slaughtered out of fear and pain. However, scientists have demonstrated that the real reason cows shed tears is due to illness.
Yet, this is not the primary cause of their tears. After research, experts believe that the tears of cows are actually a manifestation of disease triggered by viruses. When cows are infected with viruses, they may suffer from conditions such as conjunctivitis, impaired production ability, infectious nasal disease, and other ailments, affecting their tear glands and causing continuous tear secretion.
These diseases gradually impact the health of cows, hindering the normal functioning of their organs, weakening the immune system, and ultimately making cows vulnerable and prone to death. Cows cannot express themselves verbally like humans, and crying is their way of showing physical discomfort.
However, ancient scientific knowledge was so rudimentary that it could not detect epidemics in livestock in a timely manner, leading to many mysterious legends.
Crying is their way of expressing physical discomfort.
Conjunctivitis is a virus-caused disease that leads to swelling and redness of the cow’s eyes, causing continuous tearing. When infected, cows feel discomfort and may experience reduced productivity. Some infectious diseases, such as infectious nasal disease, can also cause cows to shed tears. These conditions often spread rapidly and can severely affect the health of cows.
Compared to ancient times, the quality of life for modern humans has greatly improved. Today, in addition to raising livestock such as cattle and sheep, many people also keep pets like cats and dogs. Nevertheless, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep still play a vital role in providing benefits to humanity.
Cows are significant animals in human life. We need to understand the reasons behind cows crying and treat them humanely. The relationship between humans and animals should be built on respect and peaceful coexistence.
