Misconceptions Illuminated

This is the launch of a series of posts dedicated to clearing common misconceptions, addressing frequently asked questions, and shining the light of truth.

Topics will include the current state of affairs in the Saranagati community, with a focus on membership, visitors, and cow protection.

Comments and further questions are welcome. 

Saranagati is sometimes referred to as an eco village. To illuminate any possible misconceptions, we must define what an eco village is.

This definition is taken from theecovillageexperience.net:

"a community, either traditional or intentional, which aims at becoming more socially, culturally, economically, and ecologically sustainable"

In the early years, the founding members of Saranagati had the intention to live simply, following a traditional lifestyle based on agriculture and cow protection. The government allowed over 50 building permits with the understanding that Saranagati would be a fundamental religious self-sufficient community of farmers that worked the fields with oxen. While aspects of this high vision were realized, the full manifestation remains incomplete.

The modern day Saranagati is exactly that, modern. Households operate individually and depend on gas generators, propane water heating systems, and food from the supermarket to maintain a lifestyle with convenience, in the the beauty of the countryside. 

From theecovillageexperience.net:

In the four pillars approach to sustainability, sustainability is defined as the precise…

Hoof health is absolutely essential to whole-body well being. The state of a cow's feet impacts every area and every moment of their life.

If hooves are not trimmed regularly and are overgrown, they can crack or break off, causing pain and discomfort and increasing risk of infection.

The natural way for cow's hooves to be worn down is by walking. This would require a herd management model that moves cows to and from pasture on surfaces that effectively wear down their hooves. If cows are left out in the field during summer and spend half the year contained in one area during winter, this should be taken into account.

Having access to professional examinations and regularly scheduled hoof maintenance is key to cow comfort and overall health. In an off-grid and isolated area, having locals with hoofcare know-how would be very beneficial, especially for emergencies. 

Official Recommendation/Regulation: "Preventative hoof trimming (aiming to maintain correct weight bearing and minimize and prevent lesion development) is a key component of preventing lameness. Examine hooves regularly and trim at least twice a year"