Shock as dairy cow develops a big appetite for sheep
A dairy cow bites a merino sheep at Miti Mingi Village in Elementaita, Nakuru County, on April 22, 2015. The strange behaviour by the cow has left villagers and the owner in shock. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH |
A family in Miti Mingi Village in Nakuru County is reeling in shock after its cow developed a liking for meat about a week ago.
Mr Charles Mamboleo on Wednesday said he woke up to find the cow feeding on one of his sheep that it had gored to death.
The following day, it fed on another sheep, having given fresh fodder and water in its feeding trough a wide berth.
“After the first incident, we thought the cow was starving, so we increased the supply of fodder and water, but it still continued chasing after sheep,” said Mr Mamboleo.
He expressed fears that his animal could have been bewitched since it had not calved since it was bought.
MAN EATER?
His wife, Ms Consepta Kerubo, expressed fear that the animal could start feeding on her children.
But area agricultural officer Albert Kabugi dismissed bewitchment claims, saying there was a possibility the cow lacked some nutrients and minerals found in green grass.
Green grass has been scarce in the county due to drought.
“The dry season, which has just ended, has seen most animals lack minerals found in green grass," he told Nation.co.ke.
He expressed shock at the development, terming it the only such case ever reported in the region.
