Why do these cows have portholes pierced in their flanks?

Cows aren't cars, but in these images they do look like they have a tank you could fill up with gas. Many images taken around the world show cows like these, with holes drilled into their flanks, fitted with a plastic ring that holds their flesh open.

Credit: L214

This is called fistulation; and it has been used by animal experimenters for a long time. This practice, which consists of removing a piece of the abdomen of these animals to allow direct access to their stomach, even takes place within veterinary schools. Although many people claim that this surgery does not hurt the cows or reduce their life expectancy, this mutilation still provides a recovery period of four to six weeks, during which there is no doubt that the animals remain in discomfort. In addition to postoperative pain, this invasive operation also requires medication, including antibiotics for two weeks.

During the experimental period, the portholes can be opened and closed six times in 48 hours. The microbes in the stomachs of fistulated cows are studied and sometimes transferred to other animals. While some claim that these experiments can improve cow health, the procedure seems to mainly benefit the meat and dairy industries, by optimizing the diet and digestion of animals that will ultimately be exploited and slaughtered. Fistulated cows are also often displayed at events such as veterinary school recruitments, during which visitors are invited to run their hand inside a live cow.

Credit: L214

Unfortunately, this archaic technique – devised over 130 years ago – is perfectly legal within the European Union, provided the proper paperwork is completed. We need to reconsider our reliance on these outdated procedures, and champion the funding and development of humane technologies. Cows are intelligent and sensitive animals that do not deserve to be mutilated for any reason.

What you can do

Does the thought of people going straight inside a cow's stomach gross you out? Don't want to contribute to the cruelty of the meat and dairy industry? With so many delicious vegan foods and recipes so readily available, there's never been a better time to go vegan, saving approximately 200 animals each year from ending up on your plate.