Retired Herd King Passes

In 2008, ISCOWP members rescued three cows: Priyavrata, Sri Uddharan Datta Thakur, and Amrita. Balabhadra, the president of ISCOWP, wanted to determine if Asian cows could adjust to the cold winters of West Virginia. We had read that Asian breeds do grow an undercoat to help them stay warm during the winter. This undercoat, along with a thick outer coat, provides insulation and helps them adapt to cooler temperatures. The outer coat comprises long, coarse guard hairs that repel water, keeping the inner coat dry. The undercoat is a dense, soft layer that traps air, providing insulation and keeping the cow warm.

So, Balabhadra went looking for a breeder of Asian cows near our farm in West Virginia. The nearest he could find was in Texas, about 1,373 miles away. Balabhadra and our daughter Lakshmi traveled to Texas, bringing a truck and trailer. The intention was to rescue two cows. Surprisingly, there were three Brahman cows in the pen waiting for them. Because Priyavrata had a genital defect, his owner reduced his price, and they came away with three Brahmans.

Priyavrata, his brother, and his sister adjusted well to the West Virginia winters, and it was not long before Priyavrata established himself as the herd king. Although younger and smaller than the other oxen, he picked fights with them to determine dominance. He won every time. Maybe he was overcompensating, but he remained the uncontested herd king for 10 years. He was the retired king for two years after.

Formerly WF41, he was born into a registered Brahman herd. Although shorter than the other oxen, he had a majestic and regal appearance. He was very friendly to guests and liked to be rubbed on his dulap (neck area) and sometimes on the top of his head. In his later years, he pastured on our lawn and politely greeted guests. Highly intelligent, he was intuitive to the moods of others.

In his later years, we separated Priyavrata from the main herd because of his medical problems. Instead of becoming morose, he developed loving relationships with the cows and calves placed in his pasture. As herd king, he was always aloof, taking affection but hardly ever returning it, except towards his sister Amrita and ill cows. So, this personality change was amazing to witness. He was an inspiring example of adapting to the limitations of his last phase in life,  thus experiencing a good quality of life until the day before his passing. He passed away with Lakshmi holding him, listening to the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, and the herd mooing to him.

This last year, he was a constant fixture in our yard, often silently standing under the old Live Oak trees like a great sage, hardly moving, seemingly meditating in peace. Our everlasting thanks to all his adopters, both past and present, whose support made it possible for him to have a blessed life. We will all miss his presence dearly.

In his honor, we have published a playlist of videos covering his life from 2012. We did not have video cameras before 2012. The videos are categorized from oldest to newest. By viewing these videos, you will be able to understand his transition from young boy to king of the herd to elderly gentleman.