The article presents a paper on certain puzzling inconsistencies in interpretations of the cultural ecology of India's sacred cattle. Explanation of customs and rituals related to the management of Indian cattle is suggested to be sought in positive-functioned and adaptive processes of an ecological system of which they are a part. An important example of resource management under the influence of religious doctrine is the relationship between human and bovine population in India. The major aspects of the Indian cattle complex, including milk production, traction, pasture, and slaughter, are discussed.