Gir cow recovers after complex limb surgery in Madurai
According to the veterinary doctors, the cow, owned by farmer S Ram, sustained a transverse fracture of the left forelimb metacarpal bone three months ago when it slipped and fell inside its cowshed. Local veterinarians initially applied a plaster-of-paris cast, but within three weeks, the cow began walking with the leg bent outward, signalling non-union and misalignment of the bone.
With the fracture showing excessive callus and poor healing, the case was referred to the polyclinic for expert intervention.
A radiographic assessment confirmed a mid-shaft transverse break with mal-union. "Because of the delay in presentation and the deformity that already set in, realigning the fragments was extremely challenging," said C Merilraj, who led the surgical team alongside Muthuraman.
The surgeons opted for a closing-wedge osteotomy to correct the axis of the limb. Under general anaesthesia, the fractured segments were realigned and stabilised using an eight-pin, multilane epoxy external skeletal fixator system incorporating 2–5 mm Steinmann pins.
"This frame allowed rigid support while permitting postoperative adjustments and easier wound management," Merilraj noted.
Post-operative care included daily dressing, controlled weight-bearing, and antibiotic coverage. Follow-up X-ray taken on Friday showed satisfactory callus formation and complete alignment. With healing confirmed, the external fixator was removed, and the cow has since resumed normal walking. Veterinarians said the case underscores the importance of timely referral and proper orthopaedic techniques in bigger animals like cows and buffaloes.
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In a time when people are actively reading ingredient labels and swapping refined oils for ancient fats, A2 Ghee has found itself at the centre of conversations around wellness, cooking, and clean nutrition. Referred to as "liquid gold" in Indian kitchens and Ayurvedic texts alike, A2 Ghee is now being called a modern superfood-and for good reason. Its rise is not driven by hype alone. It is backed by nutritional science, traditional preparation methods, and a growing interest in going back to basics. But what makes A2 Ghee different from regular ghee or clarified butter? And why is it being praised not just in India but increasingly across global health circles? Let us break it down. What Is A2 Ghee and How Is It Different From Regular Ghee? The core difference between A2 Ghee and regular ghee lies in the type of milk used to make it. A2 Ghee comes from the milk of indigenous Indian cows like Gir, Sahiwal, and Rathi, whose milk contains only the A2 beta-casein protein. In contrast, most commercially available milk (and ghee) in India and abroad comes from hybrid or Western breeds such as Jersey or Holstein, which contain A1 beta-casein, a protein some researchers have linked to inflammatory and autoimmune issues. Also Read: Cooking Parantha In Ghee? Stop Making This Mistake That Harms Your Health Some studies have associated A1 beta-casein with: Type 1 diabetes Coronary heart disease Arteriosclerosis Autism and schizophrenia Sudden infant death syndrome A2 Ghee, being free of this protein, is considered easier on the stomach and safer for long-term health. The Bilona Method: Why Traditional Preparation Makes All the Difference The process matters. A2 Ghee, made using the Bilona method, is not just ghee; it is a labour of care and tradition. This 5,000-year-old method involves: Boiling A2 cow milk Cooling and adding curd to ferment it overnight Hand-churning the set curd using a wooden churner (bilona) to separate butter Simmering the butter to extract ghee Each step preserves vital nutrients, boosts digestibility, and produces ghee with a beautiful golden hue, a nutty aroma, and that signature grainy texture that indicates purity. Nutritional Profile: What Makes A2 Ghee a Superfood A2 Ghee is not just fat. It is a nutritional powerhouse that supports multiple systems in the body. Here is what it contains: Vitamin A: Essential for vision, skin, and immunity Vitamin D: Aids calcium absorption and bone health Vitamin E: An antioxidant that fights free radicals Vitamin K2: Supports heart health and bone mineralisation Omega-3 & Omega-9 fatty acids: Known for improving heart and brain function Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Helps in fat metabolism and may reduce inflammation It is especially beneficial for children, pregnant women, athletes, and people recovering from illness, thanks to its easy digestibility and nutrient density. High Smoke Point: Is A2 Ghee Better Than Oil for Cooking? Yes, and this is one of the reasons chefs and nutritionists swear by it. A2 Ghee has a smoke point of around 250°C, making it ideal for: Deep frying Stir frying Baking High-heat roasting Unlike many refined oils that break down into harmful free radicals when overheated, A2 Ghee remains stable, protecting the integrity of your food and your health. Is A2 Ghee Good for Gut Health and Digestion? Absolutely. The probiotic-rich fermentation process of the Bilona method, combined with the absence of the A1 protein, makes A2 Ghee easier on the digestive system. It also helps: Support a healthy gut microbiome Soothe inflammation in the digestive tract Improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins Balance the body's doshas, according to Ayurveda Many people who cannot tolerate milk or paneer often report no issues when consuming A2 Ghee. Does A2 Ghee Help With Immunity, Skin, Hair and Cholesterol? Yes, and not just anecdotally. The nutrient-rich composition of A2 Ghee contributes to overall wellness in many ways: Strengthens the immune system Nourishes skin and promotes a natural glow Improves hair texture and reduces hair fall Contains healthy cholesterol that supports heart health when consumed in moderation A2 Ghee stands out as a remarkable embodiment of age-old knowledge. 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You can: Use A2 Ghee for high-heat cooking Add it to rice, dals, roti or khichdi for flavour and satiety Use other cold-pressed oils (like mustard or groundnut) in rotation Ayurveda also recommends ghee as a carrier (anupana) for herbs and medicines, making it multifunctional. Is A2 Ghee Worth the Price? A2 Ghee is often significantly more expensive than regular ghee or refined oils-but for good reason: Indigenous cows produce less milk Bilona preparation is manual and time-intensive No additives or shortcuts are used If you view food as medicine and value quality, A2 Ghee is a long-term investment in your health. Also Read: Beyond Kitchen: 7 Surprising Ways How Ghee Can Be A Part Of Your Daily Routine Final Thoughts: A Superfood Rooted in Culture and Science A2 Ghee is not a fad-it is a nutritional comeback story grounded in traditional wisdom and modern needs. From gut health to brain function, and from high-heat cooking to boosting immunity, A2 Ghee ticks multiple boxes. It is one of the few ingredients that connects cultural heritage, scientific validity, and day-to-day usefulness. In a world full of dietary confusion, A2 Ghee is simple, time-tested, and remarkably versatile. It is no longer just grandma's favourite-it is what future-forward food looks like. About the Author: Arvind Patel is the Managing Director of Bharat Vedica, a Patel venture rooted in tradition and driven by innovation (Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.) Advertisement For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: A2 Ghee Ghee Ghee Benefits Show full article Comments
