Cow milk is not bad for everyone except for those who have milk allergy or lactose intolerant.
Gokṣīra is a Sanskrit where go means cow and kṣīra means milk. In Ayurved, cow’s milk which is ethically sourced is considered highly beneficial.
In this dairy production business nowadays, cows are harmed in various ways. Cows produce milk for the same reason humans do to nourish their young calves. But these calves are separated from their mothers within a day or two after their birth just to get enough milk to be sold for business. This creates a traumatic experience for both the mother and the calf.
In olden days, milk was generated by hand-milking the cow. Manual technique helps to extract milk efficiently without causing injury to the cow. Modern milking machines are safe for cows if they are correctly installed, maintained, and operated but some dairy producers do not pay attention to cow comfort, udder health and many other things. High vacuum levels can hurt them. Sometimes leaving the cups on for too long after milk flow stops can damage teat tissue which makes it more susceptible to infection.
Inadequate hygiene is another big issue. Uncleaned udder can transfer harmful bacteria into the milk during the milking. Improperly or unwashed milking machines increase the possibility of harmful bacteria in milk. If a cow is not properly introduced to the machine, she may become scared. They also can feel fear and anxiety.
Some dairy owners illegally inject cows with oxytocin to the release of milk. There are some unethical dairy owners who add urea to milk to increase the level of protein.
Adulterated milk is highly dangerous for human health. Chemicals like Starch formaldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide can cause severe damage to kidneys, liver, and heart. Oxytocin which is used to increase milk production which can lead to hormonal issues for milk consumers too.
Excessive demand for milk, low supply and high profit margins are major causes of adulteration.
So should we stop doing milk because of adulteration?
Instead of stopping milk entirely, we can find regulated brands and dairies which provide unadulterated milk. We can perform simple home tests to check for common adulterants.
For those who can afford proper facilities and finances for their long-term care they can maintain a cow on their farm or homes near the countryside.
Happy Cows, Happy Planet !