Cows in Kampong Cham

Cows in Cambodia
16 October 2008

Many Cambodians live very close to nature, and in the rural areas, animals are a necessary and vital part of family and community life. In many areas of Cambodia, cattle are a dominant part of village life and the local economy. Families depend on cattle for plowing, transportation, hauling wagons, food, milk, and as an insurance policy against the vagaries of life in an undeveloped country.

Cattle on rural road Moving cattle along a rural road. Often it is the children who are entrusted with the responsibility for these large but gentle beasts.

Cattle in pen There are few varieties of cattle in Cambodia. This is the most common species, with its distinctive white coat devoid of other markings.

Cow and calf Lunch time. Calves are an important part of the economic cycle. In some areas, a cow is obtained from a cow bank and the loan is repaid with the first calf.

Cows resting in shade Plenty of shade and two big haystacks—what more could a cow want?

Cattle feeding on hay at trough All sorts of feeding troughs are seen in the Kampong Cham area. The troughs keep the cattle from treading on the hay and soiling it with manure.

Another feeding arrangement. A head of cattle in Cambodia can cost $1500, a MAJOR investment in a country where a large portion of the population lives on less than $1 a day. The cattle are kept close to home to protect the investment.

Cattle feeding near home This family has cattle of two different breeds. One might be better for milk or beef and the other as a draft animal.

Four cattle feeding The cattle are integrated into the living space and lifestyle of the family.

Cows sharing the house These cows have their own space under the house with the humans.

Minotaur You saw it here first! One of the elusive, extremely rare minotaurs! They are seldom seen even here in Cambodia!

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	Moving cattle along a rural road. Often it is the children who are entrusted with the responsibility for these large but gentle beasts.
	There are few varieties of cattle in Cambodia. This is the most common species, with its distinctive white coat devoid of other markings.
	Lunch time. Calves are an important part of the economic cycle. In some areas, a cow is obtained from a cow bank and the loan is repaid with the first calf.
	Plenty of shade and two big haystacks—what more could a cow want?
	All sorts of feeding troughs are seen in the Kampong Cham area. The troughs keep the cattle from treading on the hay and soiling it with manure.
	Another feeding arrangement. A head of cattle in Cambodia can cost $1500, a MAJOR investment in a country where a large portion of the population lives on less than $1 a day. The cattle are kept close to home to protect the investment.
	This family has cattle of two different breeds. One might be better for milk or beef and the other as a draft animal.
	The cattle are integrated into the living space and lifestyle of the family.
	These cows have their own space under the house with the humans.
	You saw it here first! One of the elusive, extremely rare minotaurs! They are seldom seen even here in Cambodia!