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By Nitin Bhatt<\/strong> “We, the Ahimsa Foundation for Cattle Protection, would like to comment on the article “Cow Protection” penned by Dusyanta Prabhu”<\/p>\n Dictionary Uvaca<\/b><\/p>\n Dusyanta prabhu\u2019s understanding of the word \u201ccow\u201d is somewhat incorrect. The words cow and cattle are defined in various dictionaries as: <\/p>\n COW: 3. A domesticated bovine of either sex or any age.<\/p>\n CATTLE: \n<\/p>\n During my agricultural studies, the word cow was used exclusively to denote a female bovine, while the word \u201ccattle\u201d referred to cows, bulls and oxen. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n Our experience at AFFCAP has shown that goshalas, both in and out of ISKCON, neglect the male segment of the genus Bos. We were determined not to repeat this mistake. Therefore, the importance of caring for bulls and oxen is reflected in both the Foundation\u2019s name and Cattle Protection Standards<\/i>. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n The third and informal use of cow supports Dusyanta\u2019s supposition; however, since we interact with goshalas, agricultural universities and government agencies, the use of the word cattle is most appropriate. In deference to Dusyanta Prabhu, and for the purpose of today\u2019s discussion, we will employ the word cow. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n AFFCAP is NOT part of ISKCON<\/b><\/p>\n We are an independent trust formed in Jaipur, India and perform Ahimsa certifications to goshalas throughout India. Yet, we are proud to declare that our philosophical underpinnings are solely focused on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. <\/p>\n \nAFFCAP is governed by six Trustees and three are \u201cin-house\u201d ISKCON members. The other three are accomplished businessmen. All except one are involved in running goshalas, and the Foundation\u2019s day-to-day operations are undertaken by the Managing Trustee, the Executive Secretary and an associate. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n Ahimsa Certification<\/b><\/p>\n The process of certifying involves ear tagging animals and entering their parentage, milk production, birth date and such-like into our database. This allows us to assist goshalas in improving their breeding programs, milk production, etc. It also permits us to source bulls for goshalas who are looking to improve herd genotype. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n Huge Ear Tags<\/b><\/p>\n The use of \u201chuge plastic yellow tabs in their ears\u201d is an exaggeration. In reality a 1.5 X 2.5 inch tag is employed, allowing an inspector to note the presence and condition of each animal. Our first goal is to stop the abandonment of cows to the street, or selling of animals to the slaughterhouse. This demands the ability to identify and track each animal. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n Ear tagging is an accepted practice around the world; however, we are currently investigating RFID — Radio Frequency ID — via Rumen Bolus or syringe. The RFID process is more expensive as scanners and computer programs are required, so will unlikely be the first choice of many goshalas. AFFCAP\u2019s plan is to offer both options. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n The application of ear tags is painless and a short video documenting this is available. Send your email address to info@affcap.org<\/a> and we will be happy to send you a copy along with our Cattle Protection Standards<\/i>. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n AFFCAP-certified animals can only be sold or given to another AFFCAP-certified goshala. So once in our system, the animal can and will be traced throughout their life.<\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n Paper-pushing Foundation<\/b><\/p>\n The Cow Protection<\/i> article\u2019s statements of \u201cpaper-pushing foundations;\u201d \u201calternative ideas are put forward to get rid of the cows;\u201d \u201cthe cows are \u2018perceived\u2019 to be surplus to their requirements and cost a lot of money, so they are disposed of\u201d makes us skeptical of Dusyanta\u2019s claim of no prejudice. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n He has not requested a copy of our Cattle Protection Standards, <\/i>inquired about certification procedures, or contacted our office; so it is difficult to understand how these claims can be made honestly. What is to be gained by such unfounded statements and how is it conducive to pushing on cow protection?<\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n At this time, AFFCAP is not certifying gau-rakshya<\/i> byproducts. We do not have any problem in doing so, but the necessary standards are not currently in place. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n India and Cow Protection<\/b><\/p>\n India is the largest exporter of meat and leather in the world and possesses the largest dairy herd on the planet. Thirty percent of the export is beef. Demand for dairy products expands at 10.2% annually to supply an exploding middle class. This further exacerbates the expansion of the national herd, providing increased inclination to act immorally regarding the welfare of the cow. We are determined that our member goshalas do not participate in this exploitation, in contrast to many goshalas falsely deputing lifelong cow protection. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n AFFCAP <\/b>Cattle Protection Standards<\/b><\/i> <\/p>\n The main thrust of the Cattle Protection Standards<\/i> is the overall care of the cows. Sections include protection, organization of cow care facilities, shelter, feeding, milking, training oxen and herd expansion. The second section focuses on breeding standard, castration, insemination and Deshi breed traits. Please email us at info@affcap.org<\/a> for an electronic copy. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n Dusyanta is certainly correct in assessing the cow to be a necessary component of a simple living, high thinking society. In all the goshalas I have visited, none have evolved to this point. Many do not even hold the objective dear — especially those outside of ISKCON. But that doesn\u2019t turn us into fronts for the slaughterhouse industry. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n AFFCAP Administration<\/b><\/p>\n All AFFCAP Trustees — including the Managing Trustee — and the Executive Secretary provide their services free-of-charge. By no means are we part of the fantasized capitalistic juggernaut. However, there are many legitimate expenses in conducting certification, and it is not sustainable if these costs are not covered. Certification is only our first priority and as funds allow, we will be providing additional support to goshalas. <\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n
\nAssistant Executive Secretary
\nAhimsa Foundation for Cattle Protection<\/p>\n
\n1. The mature female of cattle of the genus Bos.<\/i><\/p>\n
\nCows, bulls, or steers that are kept on a farm or ranch for meat or milk<\/p>\n
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By Nitin Bhatt<\/strong><\/p>\n