Ancient Indian literature reveres the cow as a gift to the human race. Vedic and classical texts describe the multidimensional use of cow products in ritual, food and medicine, and emphasise the importance of cow protection.
The traditional use of cow products — preserved across generations through Ayurvedic tradition — expanded particularly during the metallic age, when they were used to detoxify and enhance mineral and metallic preparations. Ongoing research continues to examine the distinctive properties of products from native Indian cattle breeds.
