Heat Relief through Jaggery Water Distribution for Cattle
To mitigate the severe effects of summer heat on vulnerable cattle, BGM Foundation, in partnership with Shree Aandh Apang Gau Ashram in Wankaner, Gujarat, implemented a seasonal intervention offering daily jaggery-infused water to over 1,200 cows. This measure was designed to combat dehydration and heat-induced fatigue, particularly affecting stray, elderly, and disabled cattle.
Running from March to June 2025, the project involved preparing over 500 litres of water mixed with jaggery and mineral salts each day, which was distributed in shaded areas during peak afternoon hours. The initiative was managed by trained caretakers under the supervision of a full-time veterinary doctor, with strict hygiene standards maintained throughout.
The results were immediate and visible. Cattle exhibited increased movement and reduced signs of distress, such as drooling and panting. Caretakers reported a marked improvement in resilience and, in some cases, milk yield. The ashram ensured regular documentation of water usage and herd behaviour, supported by photographic evidence from field visits.
Given the low-cost, high-impact nature of this intervention, the Foundation is considering replicating the model in other heat-prone shelters across the region. Recommendations include expanding shade infrastructure, sustaining funding during peak months, and supplementing the water with mineral mixes to further enhance cattle health outcomes.