Lord Krishna is described as “namo brahmanya devaya go-brahmana hitaya ca” (Vishnu Purana 1.19.65), the well-wisher of cows. This was well-reflected in His care for cows as a cowherd boy in Vrindavana. In fact, Lord Krishna’s other names, Govinda and Gopala literally means, “friend and protector of cows”.
Srila Prabhupada says, “Vedic civilization gives protection to all the living creatures, especially the cows, because they render such valuable service to human society in the shape of milk, without which no one can become healthy and strong.”
- Letter to Rupanuga dasa, 7th December, 1975