Cows served herbal tonics

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)