Being short isn't always easy—especially when it means you can't reach all of your kitchen cabinets. But for Manikyam, a dwarf cow who lives in Kerala, India, her height (or, lack of) is what makes her special: The 6-year-old cow has recently been named the planet's shortest cow by Guinness World Records.
Manikyam measures 24.01 inches in height from hoof to withers and weights just 44 kg (about 88 pounds). She is significantly shorter than Blaze, the previous record holder who was over 2 feet tall. For comparison, the world's tallest cow Blosom, who passed away but is honored in the 2016 Guinness Book of World records as well, measures a shocking 6 feet and 2 inches.
This cow may be tiny, but she's become a big local celebrity in her hometown. Watch Guinness World Records reps visit Kerala in the video below and you will be delighted to see just how well she is treated by her caretakers. The little cow starred in a photo shoot with her proud and loving owner and an average-sized cow.
"It is hot and particularly humid here, and we believe this has an effect on the height of our cattle," local veterinarian Dr. E.M. Muhammed told Guinness World Records. "If Vechur cattle are taken elsewhere in the country, over time they increase in height. It's only in Kerala that they maintain their dwarf stature."
Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:
https://www.countryliving.com/life/a36923/worlds-short-cow/