Cow dung cakes are dried patties made from cow manure, which is the waste product of bovine animal species like cows, buffalo, yak, and water buffalo. The undigested plant matter in the faeces makes it rich in minerals. Cow dung cakes are often used as fuel for cooking and heating in various parts of the world, including India and some African countries. They are also used in Hindu rituals and as an ingredient in making vermicompost fertilizer. In some cultures, cow dung is traditionally used to coat floors and walls for hygiene and insect repellent purposes. Cow dung cakes can be a vital energy source, with a single patty offering up to 2,100 kilojoules of energy once lit.
