Cows served herbal tonics

JAKARTA (JP): Drinking herbal tonics has long been popular among mothers after giving birth, but in the Central Java district of Boyolali it is most popular among nursing cows.

In Boyolali regency, the famous Bapak Jenggot tonic with the brand-name of Anggur Beranak is served to cows after giving birth. A long-held belief says that the herbs in the tonic not only help the cows regain strength after labor but also arouse their sex drive, resulting in more productive cattle.

"What's more, the calf will grow faster and be healthier if its mother drinks Anggur Beranak regularly," said farmer Marto Djumadi.

The slightly alcoholic beverage is also believed to be good for milk cows, Antara reported.

The sale of the tonic drink in Central Java has been subject to scrutiny lately for its alcohol content after Moslem groups demanded strict control or abolition of alcohol.

According to the producer, the Semarang-based PT Bapak Jenggot, over 21,600 tonic sellers in Central and East Java have government permits, which are necessary for the distribution of alcoholic drinks. (pan)