World cow-milking championships mired in controversy

Gianmario Ghirardi has been named the world's cow-milking champion after producing a world record 8.7 litres from his farmyard partner Mirka within two minutes at the championships in northern Italy.

However, according to La Repubblica, the competition at Branzi Fair was mired in controversy after last year's winner refused to take part owing to an alleged lack of doping checks among the cows.

For a competition at this level I would have expected strong anti-doping checks on the cows and milkers to protect the animals and guarantee transparency of the top positions.

• Maurizio Paschetta, world milking champion 2013, speaking to Italian newspaper, La Repubblica.

According to the Modern Farmer website, the previous record for milking in two minutes was just two litres but the top three competitors this year all recorded over seven litres in that time.

However, according to The Local, his criticism was dismissed by Francesco Maroni, assistant president of organizing body Fiera di San Matteo. “We are experts...we checked the cows for any tampering for an hour, then there are eight judges,” he said.

You can see footage of the competition, with participants from as far afield as India, here. You know you want to...

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