SMDF

Sridham Mayapur Development Foundation

Sri Mayapur Goshala

Cow Protection Initiative

About Sri Mayapur Goshala

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 400 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.

๐Ÿ„ Cow Protection

Providing lifelong care and protection for over 400 cows, bulls, and calves

๐Ÿ™ Spiritual Service

Honoring the sacred nature of cows through traditional Vedic practices

๐ŸŒฑ Sustainable Living

Promoting eco-friendly farming and sustainable agricultural practices

Cows at Sri Mayapur Goshala

Our Comprehensive Care System

Providing world-class standards in cow protection and care

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.

Our Impact in Numbers

See how your support helps us care for our sacred cows

400+
Cows, Bulls & Calves
Under our loving care and protection
120
Acres of Land
Providing natural grazing and shelter
3
Sacred Breeds
Kankrej, Gir, and Sahiwal cows
24/7
Veterinary Care
Round-the-clock medical attention

Breeds in our Goshala

We care for three primary indigenous Indian breeds, each with unique characteristics and heritage

Kankrej cow breed

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 ยผ 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.

  • Origin: Kutch, Gujarat, India
  • Characteristics: Majestic gait, large lyre-shaped horns, resilient
  • Heritage: Dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization
  • Added to our herd: 2019
Gir cow breed

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.

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 foreheadโ€”the only breed in the world with an ultra-convex headโ€”long pendulous ears, and horns that spiral out and back.

  • Origin: Gir forest region of Gujarat
  • Unique Feature: Only breed with ultra-convex head
  • Global Presence: Bred in Brazil, Mexico, USA, Venezuela
  • Special Quality: Exceptional heat and stress tolerance
Sahiwal cow breed

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.

  • Origin: Punjab region of Pakistan and India
  • Milk Production: Heaviest milker among all Zebu breeds
  • Efficiency: High milk yield with minimal feed
  • Temperament: Docile nature, ideal for goshala life

Our Care & Facilities

Providing comprehensive care through modern facilities and traditional wisdom

๐Ÿฅ

Veterinary Care

24/7 medical attention with qualified veterinarians, regular health check-ups, and immediate treatment for any health issues.

๐ŸŒพ

Nutritious Feed

High-quality fodder grown on our 120-acre facility, supplemented with nutritious grains and minerals for optimal health.

๐Ÿ 

Comfortable Shelter

Well-ventilated cowsheds providing protection from weather, with comfortable resting areas and clean water access.

๐ŸŒฟ

Natural Grazing

Extensive pasture lands allowing cows to graze naturally and maintain their physical and mental well-being.

๐Ÿ™

Spiritual Environment

Daily prayers, kirtan, and spiritual activities creating a peaceful atmosphere that honors the sacred nature of cows.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ

Dedicated Staff

Trained and compassionate caregivers who understand both modern animal husbandry and traditional cow care practices.

Join Our Mission of Cow Protection

Your support helps us continue our sacred mission of protecting and caring for these gentle souls. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference in their lives and supports our spiritual community.