GOAT PROTECTION
Growing up, it took me almost eighteen years of my life to realize
that there is no need to slaughter an innocent and defenseless animal
in order to fill one’s belly with cadavers. Three decades later, I am
still glad that I made that decision to become a strict vegetarian.
As soon as I understood the incredible suffering billions of animals
have to endure just because they can’t defend themselves and because
hardly anyone hears their screams, I always felt a strong urge to help
them.
Soon after I made that decision, I began a journey of consciousness
which led me to India where I was able to deepen my understanding of
protecting the lives of animals. Entire civilizations of ancient times
depended on animals like cows or goats. The very backbone of the
original Indian agriculture was the symbiotic and harmonious working
relationship between farmers and their cattle. Bulls were used for
plowing the fields, cows utilized for their excess milk. In return,
they were considered to be sacred and they were well protected.
From that time onwards, I became involved with various projects that
were dedicated to cow protection. Along with it, I promoted
vegetarianism on TV shows, on the radio and helped to distribute tens
of thousands of pamphlets or books about vegetarianism.
In the early 1990’s I wrote a booklet called “Vegetarianism in the
World Religions” which was distributed by the thousands and translated
into various languages. In essence, the study proved that
vegetarianism was considered to be a desirable ideal in all prominent
world religions.
When I came to Puerto Rico ten years ago and began to develop my farm,
I had planned to do something for cow protection but since my farm is
simply not suitable to keep cows, I just continued to write in their
defense. I dedicated a part of one chapter of “Oro Verde – Securing
the Future of our Food” to animal protection.
I still did not feel satisfied and finally decided to keep and protect
at least some goats (who are also known as “the poor man’s cow”), not
just as pets but as integral helpers at my farm. My commitment is to
give them optimal housing, food, company and care and in return, I
accept their valuable milk, manure and occasionally their help with
the unending weeding work here.
I hope that their existence here will inspire at least some of the
hundreds of visitors who tour my farm every year and even more who
visit my farm in cyber space.
If you live in the Caribbean and are thinking of becoming a first time
goat owner, you may enjoy this brief article. (click here for
article)
At this point I want to thank all those goat keepers around the island
who helped me to deepen my understanding about how to give them the
best possible care. I also thank all those friends who helped me with
the required construction work for the new goat area at my farm.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. The first three goats who arrived
here at Govardhan Gardens were Ambali (Sanskrit
for “motherly”, “sensitive”, “compassionate”), Leela
(“playful”) and Kumari (“young girl”). The next
additions to the family were a young, lively kid named Mohini
("bewildering beauty") and a strong breeding buck, Manu
("wise").
I will continue to post pictures and general goat information for
the Tropics. If you would like to adopt or sponsor a goat, you can
contact me at any time. If you would like any of the future goat
kids, they will be available towards the end of 2010. If you have
questions about ethical and sustainable goat keeping in the
tropics, please feel free to write to me.
There is
much literature out there about goats – but for those who live in
the tropics, I suggest literature that deals with the subject from
a tropical perspective. One good manual that can be downloaded for
free from the internet is called
Farmers Dairy Goat Production Handbook.
It’s a practical introductory manual for beginners. Out of all the
books and manuals I've read so far, the best-written was probably
Improving Goat Production in the
Tropics by Christie Peacock. This book is for advanced
readers and contains many technical details. Although it is quite
conventional, it contains a wealth of knowledge and experience,
primarily from in-depth research in Africa.
GOAT PHOTO GALLERY
1) Ambali (Saanen breed, recognized by their white color)
2) Kumari (La Mancha breed, primarily recognized by their small
ears)
3) Leela (Alpine breed, recognized by their upright ears and
colors)
4) Mohini (A beautiful cross between Saanen and a brown Alpine)
5) Manu (Alpine breed)
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Sadhu
Govardhan is an independent thinker, eco-organic farmer, tropical
rare fruit connoisseur and researcher. Extensive journeys for over
twenty years have allowed him to study indigenous cultures and
different life styles throughout the world.
I would like
to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped out this
project over the years. Even if I can't acknowledge all of you
individually since so many people have supported Govardhan Gardens
in so many ways, I certainly remember every one of you. 
