Unique Discovery: Farmer Finds Wedding Ring Inside Cow During Slaughter

A farmer from Simbach am Inn made an unexpected discovery when a wedding ring, lost months earlier, was found inside a cow during the slaughtering process. The incident began when Johannes Brandhuber, who runs the family farm, noticed his wedding ring was missing after attending to the animals. After an extensive search of the barn yielded no results, he presumed the ring was lost for good.

The cow, affectionately named 'Herzal' due to a heart-shaped marking on her forehead, likely swallowed the ring while feeding on silage. This unfortunate event went unnoticed until several months later when the cow was brought in for slaughter.

During the butchering process, a worker at the local butcher shop, led by Josef Steinleitner, discovered the shiny ring nestled within the cow's stomach contents. Steinleitner, who has over four decades of experience in the meat industry, described the find as a rare occurrence. He emphasized that such discoveries are only possible in smaller operations where butchering is done by hand, allowing for meticulous checks.

Upon receiving the news, Brandhuber was filled with disbelief and joy. Although he had already replaced his wedding ring, his wife had held onto hope that the lost ring might one day resurface. The couple, who married in June 2023, were thrilled at the prospect of having the original ring back.

Steinleitner remarked that such finds, while uncommon, occasionally occur when livestock accidentally ingest metal objects while foraging. He noted that the ring had been somewhat worn down and its initials barely legible, leading him to initially believe it belonged to Brandhuber's father.

Brandhuber's story serves as a reminder of the unexpected surprises that can come from agricultural life. The cow's name, 'Herzal,' is a term of endearment in Bavarian dialect, reflecting the affection her previous owner's children had for her. After the discovery, only a portion of the cow remains, as much of her was processed into meat products.