Kerala Feeds Ltd steps in to feed 'starving' cows at 'goshala'

Public sector Kerala Feeds Limited (KFL) Wednesday stepped in to feed cattle found in a pitiable condition at a 'goshala' run by a private trust in the city. Acting on the direction of Minister for Forest, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Zoos K Raju, KFL delivered an initial lot of 15 bags of its premium brand 'Midukki' cattle feed at the cow shelter.

Raju, who visited the 'goshala' near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here, directed KFL to provide the feed for the starving herd at the facility. The pitiable condition at the facility, which houses about 30 cows and calves, came to light after a surprise visit by the Minister for Devaswom, Co-operation and Tourism Kadakampally Surendran the other day, based on complaints he received about the poor upkeep of the animals.

"What is immediately required is to ensure the supply of enough feed to the cows. This will be taken care of by KFL, Raju said. The Minister, accompanied by officials of the KFL and Dairy Development Department, also instructed veterinarians under his departments to take care of the health of the herd.

A team of doctors (veterinarians) would be visiting the shelter shortly to check the cows and prescribe medicines and other medical care required by them, he said. Managing director of KFL Dr. B Sreekumar said 15 bags of cattle feed had been supplied to the cow shelter soon after the Minister instructed to do, considering the prevailing situation in the 'goshala'.

"As the only PSU in the animal husbandry sector, we are ready to supply as much cattle feed as needed by the cow shelter. If no solution to the problem is found, we are willing to continue to provide feed to ensure that the cows are not left starving," Dr. Sreekumar added.