I was learning about microbiome this weekend. How to create a happy gut. It brought back lessons my dad taught me about feeding and raising cows. When we fed our cows we weren't really feeding the cows but the bacteria in the cow. It's the same with us. Take care of our gut bacteria- feed it well.
The topic got me thinking about our cows. Growing up we raised cows and bulls for breeding. A constant lesson was: don't stress the cows! We wanted -needed happy cows.
Cows need time and space to relax so they can chew their cud. Without it they can't digest and absorb nutrients properly. You can look at a cow and tell if they are relaxed. She is chewing her cud. If she is stressed, you will see it in her eyes and body language. It's important to notice these things. Happy cows are the most joyful animals to be around...stressed cows can quickly become dangerous.
Happy cows have fresh water, healthy air, other cows- not too many, clean -dry pastures and corrals are essential. Clean and nutritious feed. A salt block, mineral block and hopefully someone or something to scratch their tail head. No cow is happy living in a muddy, over crowded corral with people yelling and loud noises.
When our cows were relaxed- happy, when we were relaxed-happy, our relationship was easy, fun, symbiotic.
People are a lot like cows. We need clean, healthy homes and environments. friends, someone to love, clean water, clean air to breathe. Healthy food. Time and space to relax and digest our food. Exercise, sleep. Play. Cows love to play- they are very curious animals.
The best way I found to tame our baby calves was was to hand feed, hang out with and be very interesting. Cows are so curious.
It doesn't matter who you are, what country you are from...or even if you are a cow, or a horse, dog, goat...or even a rat. Living beings are healthier in healthy environments. Surroundings that give us rest, healthy food, clean air and water, sunlight, friends/love, movement, nature, play and purpose.
One of my favorite studies was done in the 70's call rat park. Here is a quick video to explain. The theme is if you are a bacteria, a human, an animal...we are healthiest in nourishing environments.
Happy Cows -gave me rich wisdom and so much joy. Below is a picture of my sister and our cow, Denise. (She was already named Denise when she came to live with us. She was a very social cow. She loved whole corn cobs and being scratched.)
Always give yourself time to chew your cud!
Denise
Definition of Microbiome: "The microorganisms in a particular environment (including the body or a part of the body).
"we depend on a vast army of microbes to stay alive: a microbiome that protects us against germs, breaks down food to release energy, and produces vitamins"
Google dictionary
