Magnetic moos

8th Jan

Did you know that cows swallow magnets?

James went to pay our milk bill at our friendly neighbour, the dairy farmer, and as is often the case was persuaded to stay and have a lunchtime aperitif (or two). He always comes back full of interesting facts about cows and this was today’s offering…

Apparently, whilst grazing, a cow might accidently ingest a piece of metal. This drops to the bottom front of her stomach. These pieces of metal can work themselves through the wall of the stomach and into her lungs or heart. Leaking digestive juices can cause infections that can be fatal to the poor old cow. So Jaques (and no doubt many farmers), have his cows swallow a large smooth magnet. The magnet falls to the bottom front of her stomach and it remains here, often for years, attracting the pieces of metal so that they do not penetrate the stomach wall. Amazing huh?

You learn something new every day. I must remember to tell the kids all about it tomorrow.