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 Scientific Health Benefits to the Bull through Eru Thazhuvuthal / JalliKattu

12/1/2017

31 Comments

 
  This theory is about the stimulation requirement of domesticated animals in relation to their evolutionary traits that are needed for their sustainable healthy development.
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ABSTRACT:
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RELATION WITH ECOSYSTEM & BALANCED STIMULUS CYCLES     
     Every organism in nature evolved in sync with its ecosystem. Organisms developed special attributes and adaptations to suit their natural environment which enabled them to survive better. Hence the elements in the ecosystem and relative behavioural characteristics that beings develop over time play a vital role in its nature. Most successful natural ecosystems self-sustain by providing a balanced and mixed stimulus to the beings, which are a part of the ecosystem.
NEED FOR BALANCED STIMULATION FOR DOMESTICATED ANIMALS    
     In this chapter, we consider the example of Bull. Bull was originally a wild animal.The characteristics and behaviour they developed were a result of the cycle they had in their natural environment. This natural ecosystem provided them the necessary balance and stimulus triggering and sustaining their bio-system. Due to their benefits to society, they were domesticated by Humans. Domestication provides a mutually advantageous situation for both the bulls and humans. However, losing the natural ecosystem in which bulls evolved to survive, disrupted their balanced stimulus cycle.
The situations and stimulus previously offered by the natural ecosystem are keys for the bull's healthy development and life cycle - since they originally evolved to survive there. Lack of such balanced stimulation during their growth cycle can cause detrimental effects.
It is a scientific fact that there is significant change in the psychological and physiological attributes of domesticated animals which lack the balanced natural stimulus - which they were used to in their natural habitats.
     All animals need physical and psychological stimulation to support their healthy development and growth.
These stimuli must be in line with their natural evolutionary characteristics. It is important to understand that mere healthy diet and medical attention does not complete the necessary stimulus. These stimuli must be a balanced one inducing the animal's natural instinctive development cycle and sustained growth. It should be tailored to suit the specific animal under consideration. It is the moral responsibility of Humans to provide such balanced developmental stimulation to the domesticated animals.     
Through selective breeding, we have been able to breed superior live stock. However, sustenance of the bull's nature can only be brought about through relevant exercises and stimuli.

​DESIGN & BENEFITS OF ERU THAZHUVUTHAL / JALLI KATTU - STIMULATION FOR BULL'S HEALTH
     In the case of the South Indian bull, the bull's care taker - apart from maintaining a healthy diet and hygiene for the bull also provides relevant exercises, training and stimuli to enable strong growth of the bull. Some exercises include swimming, running. At specific instances, bulls are naturally aggressive. Suppressing their  aggressive nature is detrimental for the bull's healthy development (Both psychological and physical). This is why some training exercises encourage such aggressive behaviour of the bull in a controlled manner. Adequate measures need to be taken to handle their aggression and keep them in check in order to prevent injury to the bull.
One specific natural stimulus that the bulls experienced in the wild is scenarios that trigger their Adrenalin. Apart from other exercises, adequate Adrenalin trigger is essential in order for the bull to maintain their high level of health and natural superior survival attributes. Especially for superior fertility these stimuli help enhance hormones such as testosterone. These attributes include superior immunity, fertility and overall health.
In domestic ecosystems, there are very less situations to provide stimuli for Adrenalin rush for the bull. This is where certain exercises have been designed and integrated with the culture to provide such stimuli.

     The traditional sport originally known as 'Earu Thazhuvuthal' (Embracing a bull) - today known as Jalli kattu - offers such stimuli that supports natural development of the bull.

     Every game has a set of logical reasoning behind the rules and game structure. Logically looking at the rules of this game provides a clear picture of the beneficial stimulation exercise that has been designed for the bull in the olden days:


  1. The bull will be released into the arena through the entry gate (vadi vasal). Here the contestant / participant (also called as bull tamer) should ONLY hold on to the hump. He should NOT hold on to the neck or horns or tails of the bull. Such tamers will be disqualified.
    • This pose is similar to a four legged predator trying to embrace the bull but is designed to be harmless to the bull. It will only trigger adrenalin triggering a fight or flight response for the bull.
    • This pose in the controlled simulation, triggers a natural instinctive response by the bull - causing it to throw / tamper off the participant from its hump.
  2. Only one bull tamer shall hold on to the bull at one time. If more than one tamer holds on to the bull, the tamers do not win and repeated offence can cause disqualification.
    • This rule is there in place to make sure that the bull is not over burdened. This is for both the bull and the participant's safety.
  3. The maximum distance the bull tamer shall hold on to the bull is till the bull crosses the finish line.(Usually about 50 feet).
    • This is one of the controls in the simulated stimulation exercise for the bull - Not to overexert the bull.
    • One must understand that the bull does not recognize that the tamer lets go off the bull after this line. To the bull, it will feel as if it escaped the tamer and triumphed. This is a natural positive feeling which reinforces the bull's confidence.
    • After crossing the line, the bull is collected in the collection station where it is helped to relax by the bull's care taker - relieving it from continued anxiety.
  4. If the bull throws the tamer off before the line or if no-one manages to hold on to the bull, then the bull will be declared victorious.
    • There are documented instances of the bull standing up for itself and confidently facing the tamers. This is further evidence that the simulation works to stimulate the necessary beneficial response in the bull.
    • It is also documented over the years by many organizations that the bulls that underwent such training and stimulation exhibited superior traits and were used for selective breeding  - resulting in healthy off springs.
  5. If the bull-tamer manages to hold on to the hump till it crosses the ‘finish line’, then the bull tamer is declared the winner.
    • This is to encourage sportsmanship and dedication of the participant in the stimulation exercise.
    • This also helps to engage the society and sustain such beneficial exercise routine for the bulls.
  6. No Bull tamer will  hit or hurt the bull in any manner.
    • This is an important rule. This is to make sure that there are checks and balances to maintain the beneficial purpose of the simulation and not over do and harm the bull.
Picture
     
     Looking at the logical design of the sport - it is evident that it is a stimulus inducing exercise for the bull - designed inorder to naturally spur growth and sustain its superior nature. Bulls are very resilient creatures by nature - especially Indian native breed. Hence such controlled stimulation works well with its natural traits.
There are also further social systems (Eg: Saami Maadu) established for breeding - that are designed to avoid inbreeding of cattle and also choosing the best donor for the next breed.

     We share this world with many other beings. It is essential that we take care of animals in this world. One way is to preserve their natural habitats. In case of domesticated animals, it is essential that we groom them in a way that they sustain their characteristics which are a part of their healthy nature. Caring for the animals involves not only feeding them but also grooming them with necessary stimulation. Ofcourse unnecessary / purposeless hurting of animals must be avoided. Alternatively, Caging animals (in the name of protection) or turning domesticated animals into bio-machines or milk vending machines without due care for their physical and  psychological stimulation in a sustained manner is literally torture for the animal.

    During social event or sports there may be violations in existing rules. There may also be gaps or improvement necessities to existing rules. It is necessary to design intelligent and sophisticated systems  to make sure that the rules are enhanced to support the core purpose of the sport and are followed. In case of Earu Thazhuvuthal, the moral responsibility to provide such development stimulation to Bull and the benefits outweigh the problems that are pointed out. It is essential to improve the system and revitalize the sport instead of blindly banning it without fully understanding the sophisticated design of the sport. Banning it is due to inadequate understanding.
Personal Comment:
     Earu Thazhuvuthal - Though highly beneficial, we also acknowledge that there are some safety hazards in such a simulation / sport. However, it is also obvious that any sport or even day to day activity is not 100% safe. We have improved the safety of many sport activities globally by carefully assessing the risks and mitigating them without spoiling the core purpose of the sport. Considering that this has been done for many such sports that are merely for sportsmanship or for viewer's amusement and to support business interests, It can be said with confidence that for a morally obligatory and intelligently crafted sport such as Earu Thazhuvuthal - much better risk mitigation measures can be taken and the safety shall be improved. Banning the sport without understanding the logical and health / developmental benefits for the bull is absurd. The reason for such bans might be that many people failed to understand the intricate details, purpose and the benefits of this sport. It is time we see the logical reasoning behind such sports and improve upon the existing template for the benefit of live stock.
References:
  1. Environmental enrichment: Increasing the biological relevance of captive environments by Ruth C. Newbery, Pacific Agriculture Research Centre (Agassiz)
  2. Evolution, consequences and future of plant and animal domestication by Jared Diamond in Nature Journal.
  3. Assessment of semen quality in pure and crossbred Jersey bulls by Umesh Kumar,1 Ajay P. Gawande,1 Sunil K. Sahatpure,1 Manoj S. Patil,1 Chetan K. Lakde,1 Sachin W. Bonde,2 Pradnyankur L. Borkar,3 Ajay J. Poharkar,3 and Baldeo R. Ramteke3
  4. Aggression in cattle, Social Behavior - An observation. Basic article with observed behaviour in cattle.
  5. Maple TL (2007). "Toward a science of welfare for animals in the zoo" (PDF). J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 10 (1): 63–70. doi:10.1080/10888700701277659. PMID 17484680.
  6. "Enrichment". www.aza.org. 2010-12-10. Archived from the original on 2016-04-09. Retrieved 2016-03-29.
  7. "Animal Management". www.aza.org. 2013-02-27. Archived from the original on 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2016-03-29.
  8. https://web.archive.org/web/20090426205016/http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/Primates2009/us_law.shtml
  9. Zoos Use New Tricks To Stimulate Animals by Bijal P. Trivedi in National Geographic Today
31 Comments
Vijayakumar
13/1/2017 12:20:22 am

good perspective viewing hallo kattu in techno behavior way....

Reply
Deepak Krishnan. S link
13/1/2017 12:29:34 am

Thanks Vijay. I believe that we can gain better traction and support by explaining the scientific logic behind the sport. Thought of this sometime ago :) Spread the word so it gains more traction.

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Srinidhi G
13/1/2017 12:29:25 am

Thats a whole set of new information. Always thought that there will be some biological benefits but never knew this much would be. Awesome work

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Deepak Krishnan. S link
13/1/2017 12:31:39 am

Thanks Srini. Spread the word. :)
This is just the abstract of the scientific behaviour - draft 1. There are much more awesome info which I will bring up soon.

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Deepak Krishnan. S
13/1/2017 12:32:25 am

In future, I would also work on proving this theory in a scientific method. But that needs more support. Lets spread and gain the necessary support for that!

Surender
13/1/2017 02:50:00 am

Thats new information got to know.. great work..

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Deepak Krishnan. S
13/1/2017 02:51:18 am

Thanks. Spread the word. Lets create critical mass awareness :)

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Preethi
13/1/2017 05:17:00 am

Feeling good to know about the unknown facts behind Jallikattu..awesome work..

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Anuja
13/1/2017 06:39:05 am

Nice one ! How bulls also need simulation and how sport can help all beings! We should start devising games with many others - like Madagascar style! I can think of parrot, dogs, and other pets where we humans tend to be reasonably successful in interacting with .. in case of others - the main issue is overcoming the fear of attack. But once that is crossed I can imagine a nice bond - after all these things are how it used to be ages ago are being lost in the digital world !

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Anuja
13/1/2017 06:42:21 am

Could imagine a behavioral study that distinguishes these as treatments- have you watched the monkey refusing to take a banana cause of equal pay issues ? ;) ;) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2236702/Fascinating-experiment-shows-monkeys-bananas-unequal-pay.html

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Deepak Krishnan. S
13/1/2017 06:56:09 am

The theory is Abstract Draft 1.0. Need such behavioural and health studies to validate. Further this can become the norm supported by such scientific findings. :)

Sudha.S
15/1/2017 09:19:21 am

This is literally and meaphorically BANANAS !!

It is interesting to know the psychology behind such behaviours. Thank you for sharing this perspective, Anuja !

Deepak Krishnan. S
13/1/2017 06:54:37 am

Indeed. It is time we relearn and showcase the core of our #ScientificCulture. I am further developing the theory with specific hypotheses that can be tested and validated. Hope we can gain more social support and traction to do those and prove our sophisticated way of rearing cattle and other domesticated animals.

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Krishnan cK
13/1/2017 06:55:19 am

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Ragavi and Pradeep
13/1/2017 08:25:53 am

We appreciate you for the fact that you have dedicated your time and effort for diving deep on this subject. We support legitimate and safe jallikatu that will promote healthy bulls and preserve cultural values.
- Ragavi and Pradeep.

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Harish
13/1/2017 05:15:15 pm

A very different perspective. Liked the way how you carried the sport through out the article and awakes us saying again and again that not just Jallikattu, but any of our tradition must be approached scientifically and improvised if required.

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Kumar
14/1/2017 06:54:45 pm

This article is nothing but Bulls@#$.
You have said bull was originally a wild animal. So jallikattu is essential to simulate its original ecosystem. Even goats, pigs and dogs were originally wild animals. What sports you have got to stimulate them.
Forget about the world and India, in Tamil Nadu itself this sport is restricted to South Tamil Nadu and mainly three places. Does that mean bulls in rest of Tamil Nadu, rest of India and rest of the world do not need this stimulation. And even in those places where Jalli kattu was conducted , not all bulls were included in the sport. Does that mean stimulating only a limited number of bulls is enough?
Finally even man’s ecoenvironment was different originally. Shall we simulate it by making everyone live in forest amongst wild animals for a limited period every year?
(You have mentioned one tamer at a time and you would have seen what actaully happens. I don’t want to go in to all that now).

Reply
Deepak Krishnan. S
15/1/2017 03:03:08 am

Dear Kumar, Thanks for your comment.
1. For your question on man with wild animals every year: Ha ha... Nice one. No one is recommending a simulation where we let bull in wild near a predator. We instead design exercises and stimulation. Similar to how humans need exercise and stimulation in form of workouts and sports. Next it seems that you have very limited understanding about human evolution. Do you know how many homo species existed and their ecosystem?... now only Homo Sapians (We) exist... Over past 10,000 years we have come out of the wild and have adopted to new environment which has its own pros and cons.

2. Goats, pigs and dogs are not having proper stimulation - unfortunately yes - and I am saying that it is not right. What do we use these beings for? just for slaughter and as pets - is that right?

3. About your comment on this sport only in few places: Know your history first. This sport / stimulation has been prevalent all over India in the past 3000 to 5000 years. Now it has diminished due to: a. People like you and various invasions in India, b. People forgetting the core reason for this sport - which is stimulating the domesticated animals.

(One tamer at one time IS THE RULE and must be followed strictly. If there is a rule violation will you ban the entire sport or improve regulation and safety? Have you researched the sport in real time or are you commenting with your vast knowledge gained from seeing biased videos?)

Finally, if you want to ban something that has such benefits mentioned... what is your alternative? Chaining animals? caging them? using them as meat, for milk and as pets? Is this your alternative solution? If so, wow! U do want to care about animals in a twisted cruel way.

P.S. There are scientific organisations all over the world researching about the need for stimulation in animals. Have a look at them and then say if this is Bull@#$!

Good day to you my mis-informed, good willed friend. :)

Reply
Kumar
16/1/2017 06:17:24 am

Dear Deepak and Sudha,
Thanks for the response.
My post is just 5-6 lines long. Not even once I have mentioned that Jallikattu should be banned or that I am supporting PETA.
I was just criticizing Deepak’s article.
Deepak, you have asked whether I have researched the sport in real time or am I commenting with my vast knowledge gained from seeing biased videos?
Yes, I have witnessed it in person many times in my place. I have witnessed alcohol given to bulls before jallikattu was played. And I have seen many getting admitted in hospitals with bull gore injuries. So it is not only the bulls but also the people playing the sport getting affected.

I will reply in detail when I find free time

Sudha.S
15/1/2017 08:54:06 am

Dear Mr. Kumar,

Your comment reflects the current mindset of a lot of people who oppose Jallikattu - which is mainly sculpted by what comes through the mainstream Media. I request you to take your time in peace to answer my following questions and engage in a fruitful conversation instead of expressing your anger.

1. Hopefully you are clear that Bull was originally a wild animal, which was domesticated later by Mankind - similar to Pigs, Dogs - agreed with what you say. What are Pigs and Dogs used for, even today ? My guess is, they have turned out to be the animals that we see today, mainly because they were domesticated without any simulation of their natural habitats. Now what I really want to know is would you want your pet dog to be stimulated with a sport like Jallikattu while being your best friend ?
Please note the standards before you compare. Bulls cannot be compared with dogs or pigs - in terms of physical endurance or their functionality.

2. Clearly you have not done any reading / research on animal based sports. Hope you are aware of Spanish bull fights, Horse racing, etc. The Matador gets to kill the bull in the end. As far as Horse racing is concerned, its very premise is entertainment and there are atrocities happening to the welfare of the horses, they are not all saints who conduct the race. Atleast Jallikattu has neither killing of the bull or is conducted purely for entertainment purpose. Please read the article again if you want to have a better understanding of why this sport is conducted.

3. More than three places conduct Jallikattu. By the way, what are those three places that you mention ? Can you name them ? If your answer is Alanganallur, Avaniapuram and Palemedu, well, you need to get to know more other places, where Jallikattu happens.

4. If the rest of India or the world is convinced about the significance of the sport, very well they can implement it with their Bulls. What has it got to do with anybody ?

5. Yes, not all bulls can be included in the sport. Imagine this - I n a school, will all pupils be able to participate in endurance sport ? Every student has a talent and he / she can focus on that. The ones involved in track and field are athletically gifted and such students, with proper training and diet, can be competent. It is a similar situation with Jallikattu. Kangeyam Bulls, for instance, are better suited for Jallikattu endurance. So when trained and given proper food, they maintain their natural endurance traits. By training these types of bulls, atleast a pool of strong and able bulls can be maintained. Trying to include all bulls is like forcing all students, irrespective of their capabilities, to participate in hard core sports.

5. Why should today´s man live in forest ? This is a lame argument. With all due respect, are you rubbing stones to make a fire, fighting predators to survive or hunting for food ? Bulls do work hard and need training for that purpose. Similar to when they have to search for food in the wild or escape from predators. Of course, bulls that plough the field today are not having same situations as in wild. It is because we domesticated for our own purposes. Ethically and for the sake of maintaining their natural traits.

6. YES: ONE TAMER AT A TIME IS THE RULE. Please do not confuse the rules with what happens in sporadic incidents and judge the entire idea of Jallikattu. Some people still cross roads while Red signal is displayed, drive while drunk and throw garbage in public places. Would you judge entire Human race and stay away from all humans because of certain people´s actions or start by being the change and motivating others ? I hope you are not that pessimistic. Stringent monitoring and regulations should be undertaken, banning sounds like there is a hidden agenda.

If you are still reading this, Mr. Kumar,

PLEASE MOVE ON FROM THE IDEA THAT THIS IS ANIMAL CRUELTY. It ISN´T. Bulls and Cows have spiritual meaning to these people, in fact animal husbandry itself is.

YOU CAN VOICE YOUR OPINIONS AND QUESTIONS AND I AM READY TO ANSWER THEM. BUT PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH AND GET TO KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE YOU POST.


Reply
Sudha.S
15/1/2017 09:07:31 am

Edit : 5. Ethically and for the sake of maintaining their natural traits, Jallikattu is sensible.

Kumar
16/1/2017 06:18:30 am

Dear Deepak and Sudha,
Thanks for the response.
My post is just 5-6 lines long. Not even once I have mentioned that Jallikattu should be banned or that I am supporting PETA.
I was just criticizing Deepak’s article.
Deepak, you have asked whether I have researched the sport in real time or am I commenting with my vast knowledge gained from seeing biased videos?
Yes, I have witnessed it in person many times in my place. I have witnessed alcohol given to bulls before jallikattu was played. And I have seen many getting admitted in hospitals with bull gore injuries. So it is not only the bulls but also the people playing the sport getting affected.

I will reply in detail when I get free time

Deepak Krishnan. S
16/1/2017 06:58:54 am

Dear Kumar,
Make your positions clear. Do not let people assume.
Regarding the mis-practices in sport - I hope you have read my entire article - I also have mentioned that safety and regulations must be improved.
With regards to your criticism of my article, I have responded. Now awaiting your detailed reply.
Good day.

Reply
Pradeep
14/1/2017 10:42:38 pm

The words doesnt surprised me, but i expected more, as it is coming from deepak i know, so now hello deepak come on let us get into an argument on this, regarding this work, good one.

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Kumar
17/1/2017 04:59:43 pm

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/man-gored-to-death-by-bull-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/56622611.cms

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Suresh
18/1/2017 02:23:05 pm

What are you trying to say bro? We all know that we need better protection and safety. But banning? Is that the solution?

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Sudha.S
20/1/2017 06:25:30 am

Hello again, Mr. Kumar,

Thank you for your repsonse.

I was hoping if you could give your answers on the questions that I addressed to you. Awaiting.

It is not just this article, numerous other sources describe the scientific reasons behind this sport. You can google them. Which is the major reason why a many people want no ban on Jallikattu, apart from culture and identity reasons.

And yes, there were a few cruelty incidents that occured. Since 2009, TN government has implied on stringent regulations and surveillance on the events.

Since you claim to have personally witnessed the event, in short, my view on this would be regulation of the sport and surveillance. NOT banning. It is a personal opinion, just like how you are entitled to yours.


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Abinaya
24/1/2017 11:30:15 am

A very good read . I got a deeper insight about jallikattu.I knew it had evolutionary benefit but i understand in depth after reading this article.
Also i did not know that for jallikattu bulls are handled with just the hump.I had assumed it would be with horns too. I understand the game better now thanks to this article

Reply
Deepak Krishnan. S
24/1/2017 01:14:25 pm

Thanks for your comment. Spread the scientific awareness. :)

Reply
Deepan
5/2/2017 12:03:08 am

Hi Deepak,

The efforts you had put in to explain the technical aspects behind Jallikattu is great.

Reply
Alem1962 link
17/2/2022 07:59:46 am

Thank You for Sharing this informative article! It is very useful to everyone Stay healthy and keep safe!

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    "Incredibly CoMpLeX yet Wonderfully Simple. I believe that knowledge is useless if it cannot be acted upon. I intend not to have a contented life but a satisfied one! - By doing my best towards maturity." - Deepak Krishnan. S 

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