Mumbai: In an innovative step towards animal welfare, a Mumbai-based foundation has launched AI-enabled pendants for cows, designed to enhance their safety and well-being. The ‘Gau Raksha Kavach’ pendant, developed by the Ridlan AI Foundation, comes with a QR code that, when scanned, provides immediate access to the cow’s medical history and vaccination reminders via email or SMS.
The pendant aims to address several challenges faced by cows, including health monitoring and road safety. It not only stores crucial medical data but also sends timely alerts to owners about upcoming vaccinations and de-worming. Additionally, the pendant includes a reflective collar to prevent accidents, helping stray cows stay visible on the roads. The initiative, launched on Wednesday, stems from the foundation’s commitment to animal welfare. Akshay Ridlan, founder of the Ridlan AI Foundation, explained that the pendants are particularly important in light of the challenges cows face from diseases like the lumpy virus, which has affected millions of cows in India over the past two years. Timely intervention, including vaccinations, is vital to preventing the spread of such diseases.
“This initiative is about ensuring cows are safe and protected from preventable diseases. The pendant will also help save stray cows from accidents, giving them an additional layer of protection,” Ridlan said. He also noted that, for now, the pendants are being distributed for free, and the foundation is seeking sponsorships to continue this effort. The QR-enabled pendant is a perfect blend of technology and tradition, designed to promote better animal care and bridge gaps in veterinary attention for cows. The project highlights India’s growing focus on animal protection, especially considering the country’s deep cultural connection with cows. The Ridlan AI Foundation has invited those running cow shelters or managing stray cows to approach them for assistance with the pendants. This innovative effort is another example of how AI can be leveraged to improve animal care and ensure the safety of livestock, enhancing the well-being of cows across the country.
