Abstract
This study reports on the uses of cow dung (zubu and buffalo) in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, which lie in the semi-arid areas of northwest India. Cow dung is used for flooring and also as fuel in these areas. For use as fuel, cow dung is molded into the shape of a disk, called a “cow dung cake,” and used for storage in rural areas. In this paper, I present the technique for preparing and storing “cow dung cakes.” A combustion experiment was also conducted on “cow dung cakes” in this study. It was noted that while the use of cow dung as fuel can reduce the stress on the forest resources, the burning of cow dung releases some toxic substances. Finally, this study considered a sustainable use of animal dung in semi-arid areas.
