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Girl Babies Join the Herd When the babies first came to ISCOWP in 2024, we separated them from the main herd to ensure they had en...
When the babies first came to ISCOWP in 2024, we separated them from the main herd to ensure they had enough to eat. Their size compared to the cows in the big herd was also a concern. In addition, our vet, Dr. Jill, recommended medical quarantine to ensure they did not have any diseases transmissible to the big herd.
They have now entered the herd, as it is springtime and some grazing is available. They are much larger now, and time has shown they do not have any disease that would endanger themselves or the members of the big herd. The transition was very smooth. After all, they have seen and associated with each other over the fence. Cows are very social animals who establish a social order within their herd. So, the baby’s entry into the herd will cause some readjustment of the social order.
Since 2024, we have learned to adapt to the labor void created by Balabhadra’s (ISCOWP president William Dove) illness and the time his 24/7 care requires of us. Throughout this adjustment, Lakshmi, our daughter, has come forth as a pragmatic, thrifty, and knowledgeable sanctuary manager. She has been assisting Balabhadra with hands-on cow care since she was six years old. Balabhadra is happy to pass the torch of sanctuary manager onto her.
Voyage Jacksonville’s digital publication recently published an article about Lakshmi. Here is a quote from that article: “I grew up emotionally and practically caring for cows, experiencing their joys and their sorrows. Along the way, I acquired the how-to knowledge to go with my deep attachment to them. When I became an adult, I realized I couldn’t stop loving cows, and life without cows was not possible. I thus decided to dedicate my life to caring for them and, along with my parents, spread the knowledge of cow protection and dietary change.” If you would like to know more about Lakshmi, you can read the entire article at this link. You can find photos of her in our 26 years of ISCOWP online newsletters and photos/videos in our ISCOWP e-newsletters published since 2010.
A pet project of Lakshmi’s is to improve ISCOWP’s ability to care for medical and end-of-life situations in as humane a way as possible. In consultation with our vet, Dr. Jill, we have installed a cow chute and fine-tuned the entry and exit paths. This chute will allow safe, expedient, humane, and frugal treatment for many medical situations. As you may remember, we had to take a few cows to the local veterinarian hospital, where some had to stay for a month. The hospital visits cost thousands of dollars, and the cow chute was often a part of their treatment.
The babies rescued in 2024 have grown used to the chute since Lakshmi placed their food at its exit. Recently, the babies got their shots utilizing the cow chute. Dr. Jill is happy with the cow chute entryway improvements (as shown in the 10/19/25 ISCOWP e-newsletter). Older or larger cows who are not accustomed to the chute or are too large for it can now be treated in the entryway.
Cows raised for beef typically live for 18 to 24 months before slaughter, while dairy cows are slaughtered around 4 to 6 years old when their milk production declines. Veal calves are slaughtered much younger, usually within 1 to 24 weeks. Although their natural lifespan is 15–20 years, most are killed young.