Overview
- Rajasthan education minister Madan Dilawar made the claim at a Go-Samvardhan and Gocharan programme in Ramganj Mandi, Kota, asserting indigenous cow milk boosts intelligence while buffalo milk causes sluggishness.
- He cited anecdotal calf demonstrations and local naming conventions to justify the assertion, saying cow calves would locate mothers quickly and stay lively after feeding, unlike buffalo calves.
- Health experts quoted in new coverage say there is no scientific evidence linking cow versus buffalo milk to cognitive outcomes, noting both provide core nutrients and that buffalo milk typically has higher fat and calories.
- Specialists add that iodine content depends on animal feed rather than species and that breastfeeding has the strongest association with improved long-term cognitive measures.
- Dilawar also announced a local policy measure to revive a gauwala system in 14 villages, appointing one cowherd per up to 70 cows (two if numbers exceed 70) with ₹10,000 a month funded by village donors.