The Gujarat government has moved quickly after more than 80 cows died at Shri Ramgar Bapu Gaushala in Rajkot district, triggering concern and outrage over animal safety. Preliminary findings indicate that food poisoning, suspected to be caused by contaminated groundnut oil cake, may have led to the mass deaths.
Minister for Animal Husbandry Jitu Vaghani directed officials to take immediate corrective steps and ensure strict monitoring of the situation. Following his instructions, a senior team from the Animal Husbandry Department was rushed from Gandhinagar to the gaushala to assess the situation on the ground. &ldquo;The situation is being closely monitored, and all possible steps are being taken to safeguard the remaining animals,&rdquo; a department spokesperson said.
At present, 16 veterinary doctors are stationed at the gaushala, including five experts from Junagadh Veterinary College, providing continuous treatment to the surviving cattle. Veterinary teams from Rajkot, Gondal, Junagadh, Jasdan and Kotda Sangani also reached the site to attend to nearly 20 cows that showed symptoms of illness.
Samples of grass, fodder, drinking water and the suspected groundnut cake have been collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis. In addition, post-mortem examinations are being conducted on five deceased cows to establish the precise cause of death.
Senior district officials, including District Collector Dr Om Prakash and District Development Officer Anand Suresh Govind, visited the gaushala to oversee treatment and relief operations, and to ensure that proper medical care was being administered.
The incident occurred on Friday when the cows were fed their routine fodder. Soon after consumption, several animals reportedly began collapsing. By evening, the death toll had risen to around 80, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The Ramgar Bapu Gaushala Trust, which has been operating the shelter for the past 27 years, currently houses approximately 350 cows. Authorities have said that preventive measures are being put in place to protect the remaining herd. &ldquo;Preventive measures are being undertaken to ensure the safety of the remaining herd,&rdquo; an official confirmed.
Officials added that laboratory results from the feed samples and post-mortem reports will be crucial in determining accountability. They have assured strict action against those found responsible once the investigation is complete, noting that the incident underscores the need for rigorous feed management and safety protocols at animal shelters.

80+ Cows Die in Gujarat Gaushala; Probe Underway

Food poisoning from groundnut cake suspected in cow deaths in Rajkot

80+ Cows Die in Gujarat Gaushala; Probe Underway

Food poisoning from groundnut cake suspected in cow deaths in Rajkot

December 14, 2025 | 24:47 IST