The results of an autopsy on a Charolais cow that died at Canadian Western Agribition show no conclusive cause of death.
Agribition chief executive officer Jason Pollock said the organization received the preliminary results Dec. 10.
An internal committee that deals with disciplinary measures arising from incidents or rule infractions reviewed the results that same day and has decided how to handle the incident.
However, Pollock said Dec. 13 the affected parties had not yet been informed and he would not comment further until they had received registered letters.
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Once they do, there is a process that allows them to respond.
Pollock encouraged people to be patient as that process unfolds.
“Our process is designed to make sure the health and welfare of all the animals are taken care of,” he said.
It also is designed to make sure all the facts are clear, he added.
There has been a lot of speculation about how the cow died, with many people suggesting it was pumped full of soda pop to make it appear rounder and more appealing to the show judge.
The two-year-old cow, with calf at side, was in distress in the show ring, observers said, and died as soon as it returned to its stall.
The animal was immediately sent to Saskatoon for an autopsy.
Pollock said one of the initial concerns was the possibility the cow had died from something that could affect other livestock.
The autopsy ruled that out.
“There are no animal health issues for any species attending the show,” he said.
Agribition has received many calls and letters from people concerned about the cow’s death.
Pollock said he will eventually be able to more openly discuss the incident.
As a result of the Nov. 26 death, the Canadian Charolais Association has already decided to include in its show rules a ban on pumping or drenching cattle to make them look better.
