What Are Portholes, and Why Are They Used On Cows? : The Hearty Soul

When you hear the word “portholes,” you may think of small windows on ships or planes. However, portholes are also used on cows, providing direct access to their stomachs for research purposes. This controversial practice has been around since the 1920s, allowing scientists to study digestion and feeding efficiency. While some praise the benefits of maximizing milk production and reducing emissions, others criticize it as invasive and cruel. Despite advancements in alternative methods, portholes remain a topic of ethical debate in the intersection of science, agriculture, and animal welfare.