About

Sri Mayapur Goshala is one of the important initiatives of SMDF- Sridham Mayapur Development Foundation. an undertaking of ISKCON the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Sri Mayapur Goshala is the happy home of Sri Sri Radha Madhava's beloved cows. At present, we maintain a herd of over 415 cows, bulls and calves. These bulls and cows perform the very important service of providing milk, manure, grains, and vegetables for the service of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava.

One of the distinctive features of Sri Mayapur Goshala is the personalized attention and care provided, with separate designated zones for bulls, cows, calves, and milking cows. Pregnant cows receive special diets and care to ensure their health and that of their calves. Additionally, special attention is given to the retired and senior members of our herd.

To ensure proper medical care, we have a resident veterinary doctor who checks on the cows every morning and evening and is available for emergencies even at night. The doctor focuses on stopping problems before they can escalate, ensuring the health and well-being of our cows. We take great care in ensuring the cows receive a balanced diet. They are fed nutritious foods such as wheat bran, corn flour, chickpea flour, and oil cakes. Napier grass, maize fodder, and other seasonal grasses are cultivated on 120 acres of land to provide fresh fodder for the herd year-round. Even though we are fully self-sufficient in supplying fresh fodder, the cows graze in the pastures every day, browsing on a variety of herbs that grow in Sridham Mayapur.

Our dedicated team of devotees offers their talents and resources toward constantly improving the standard of care and management at Sri Mayapur Goshala. We provide excellent facilities for cows and bulls and set world-class standards in cow protection. Cows are treated as family members, and due care is given to them. Along with providing medical care, nutritious food, clean water, and lifetime accommodation, we at Sri Mayapur Goshala strive to build an exemplary cow protection program in line with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. We also aim to inspire the pilgrims visiting Sridham Mayapur to love and protect Go-Mata

The Kankrej breed

The Kankrej breed, originating from Kutch, Gujarat, India, is renowned for its resilience and versatility. This breed is outstanding in both milk production and draught work, their endurance has proved invaluable in agricultural activities. Kankrej cattle move with a royal majestic gait known as "Sawai chal," characterized by a distinctive 1 ¼ pace stride. They are one of India’s heaviest breeds, notable for their majestic appearance and large lyre-shaped horns, along with a short, dished face and slightly upturned nose.

Known for their loyalty towards caretakers and strong herding and grazing instincts, they thrive in semi-arid conditions with minimal care, exhibiting resistance to diseases, insects, and heat. This makes them well-suited for an open, untethered, semi-wild system of management.

Being a heritage breed dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, Kankrej cattle have sustained their historical qualities and genetic purity, remaining unaffected by modern breeding practices. In 2019, we added Kankrej cattle to our herd at Sri Mayapur Goshala.

The Gir breed

The Gir breed, originating from the Gir forest region of Gujarat, is highly valued for its exceptional milk production. While Gir bulls may not match the speed or efficiency of Kankrej bulls in farming activities, they are extremely strong and well-suited for tasks such as Ghani work and pulling heavy loads. Despite their seemingly lazy appearance, Gir cattle are incredibly robust and capable of handling demanding tasks.

Gir cattle exhibit remarkable tolerance to heat and stress, as well as resistance to tropical diseases, making them well-suited for challenging environments. They are distinctive in appearance, typically having a rounded domed forehead—the only breed in the world with an ultra-convex head—long pendulous ears, and horns that spiral out and back.

The breed has successfully thrived beyond its native region, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, the USA, and Venezuela importing and breeding these animals. The Gir's adaptability and resilience have enabled it to flourish in various parts of the world.

The Sahiwal breed

The Sahiwal breed, originally from Punjab region of Pakistan and India, is the heaviest milker among all Zebu breeds. Known for their resistance to ticks, heat, and various parasites, they are well-suited to tropical environments. Sahiwal cattle thrive with minimal feeding and recover quickly from periods of scarcity.

Typically, medium-sized with a well-balanced but often loose body, Sahiwal cattle have a distinctive appearance with short, randomly shaped horns, a long face, a bulging forehead, a slightly depressed back, and a well-developed udder. These traits enhance their productivity, allowing them to yield more milk with less feed. They also sire small, fast-growing calves with few calving problems.

While Sahiwal bulls are not exceptional draft cattle due to their shorter stature and loose body structure, selective breeding can improve these traits. Their resilience, efficiency in converting feed, and ability to produce rich milk even under harsh conditions make them ideal for Mayapur Goshala. Their docile nature further adds to their appeal.