Mohammad Riaz, BAU :With only a few days left before the holy Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Azha, cattle markets across the country are buzzing with activity. From rural villages to major cities, buyers and sellers are locked in negotiations to select the perfect sacrificial animals.
Although various cattle breeds are available, native deshi cattle remain the most sought-after due to their superior meat quality, manageable size, and perceived organic rearing. Capitalizing on this high demand, however, unscrupulous traders are reportedly selling foreign or crossbred cattle under the guise of being "deshi."
To avoid being misled, it is crucial for buyers to recognize the distinct characteristics of native cattle compared to other commonly sold breeds before making a purchase.
- Native (Deshi) Cattle
Key features of deshi cattle include a small body frame, fewer neck folds, a smaller hump, and minimal body fat. They are characterized by tight navel skin, short legs, small ears, and a relatively small, flat head. Their average body weight typically ranges between 200–250 kg.
- Holstein Friesian Cattle
Originating from the Netherlands and Germany, this breed is widely renowned for high milk production. They are easily identifiable by their distinct black-and-white patched coats, a narrow front building into a broader rear, and long legs. They stand at a height of 145–165 cm and weigh significantly more, averaging 680–770 kg.
- Brahman Cattle
Developed in the United States, this breed is highly favored for beef production. Key traits include a prominent, large hump on the back, a long head, long legs and a large, pendulous dewlap with soft, loose skin. They are naturally polled (hornless), have a calm temperament, and exhibit high heat tolerance. Their coat color varies from light gray to red or black. Bulls weigh between 700–1,000 kg, while cows weigh 450–600 kg.
- Mirkadim Cattle
Hailing from the Mirkadim region in Munshiganj district, this breed is popularly known as “white” or “dhobal” cattle. They feature an entirely pure white body, standing at a height of 3–5 feet. Notably, their horns, eyelids, and parts of the muzzle have a distinct pinkish or reddish tint. Their average weight ranges from 300–400 kg.
- Red Chittagong Cattle
A premium native breed from the Chattogram region, these cattle feature a deep red coat, a small flat head, short legs, and thin skin. They have a small udder, an average body length of 130 cm, and a height of 120 cm. Bulls weigh between 200–400 kg, while cows range from 200–250 kg.
- Sahiwal Cattle
Originating from the Punjab province of Pakistan, this docile breed is known for its high milk yield. They possess thin skin, short legs, and short but thick horns. Other defining features include a large dewlap, loose navel skin, a long tail, and a large, well-developed udder.
- Sindhi Cattle
Native to the Karachi and Hyderabad regions of Pakistan, this breed is now widely found across India and Bangladesh. They are characterized by a dark red to chocolate-colored coat, a small head and muzzle, and a broad forehead with a slight central bulge. They also feature large, hanging navel skin. Bulls weigh around 380–450 kg, while cows weigh between 280–340 kg.
