Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 16, 2026 (BSS) - Experts on Saturday stressed the need for a natural and scientific cattle fattening system instead of the artificial method, saying it is very harmful to human bodies.

They said that artificially fattened cattle usually have poor appetite and irregular rumination.
In many cases, excessive saliva or foam may come out of their mouths. After being transported over long distances to cattle markets, they become easily fatigued and are often reluctant to stand once seated.

As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, cattle markets across Khulna and other parts of the country are witnessing a sharp increase in buyers and sellers.

Taking advantage of the seasonal demand, some dishonest traders are allegedly using steroids, growth hormones and other harmful substances to artificially fatten sacrificial animals for higher profits, experts added.

They have also warned that such unethical practices can seriously damage animal health and may also pose potential health risks to consumers.

Providing guidance on the issue, Professor Dr. Mohammad Alam Mia of the Department of Physiology at Bangladesh Agricultural University explained to BSS today how buyers can identify cattle raised through natural and scientific fattening methods.
Healthy cattle remain naturally active, show interest in food and ruminate regularly, he said, adding that their skin usually appears tight and glossy.

However, if the pressed area remains sunken, it may indicate abnormal water retention.

Addressing farmers, Dumuria Upazila Livestock Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Md. Abu Sayeed Sumon said many cattle farmers use steroids such as dexamethasone and prednisolone following the advice of unqualified practitioners or quacks.

“These drugs severely weaken the animal’s immune system and may cause serious liver and kidney damage. In some cases, sudden death of the animal may also occur,” he said.

He added that cattle can be naturally and scientifically fattened through proper management practices, including selecting healthy animals aged between two and four years, regular deworming, providing balanced feed, vitamin and mineral supplements, and maintaining hygienic farm conditions. With proper care, cattle can be naturally fattened within three to six months, he said.

He urged buyers to remain extra cautious while purchasing sacrificial animals and advised them not to judge cattle solely by size.
Instead, buyers should carefully observe the animal’s behaviour, breathing, nose condition and movement.

In case of any doubt, he encouraged people to seek advice from livestock officials or veterinarians.

Contacted, Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ms. Sabita Sarkar said medical teams from the Upazila Livestock Department remain deployed at every major cattle market in the area.

“If buyers have any doubts regarding the physical condition of an animal, they can immediately seek assistance from the medical teams,” she said.
She added that regular market and farm monitoring is being conducted to prevent the sale and use of harmful medicines.

“Legal action will be taken if any irregularities or evidence of artificially fattened cattle are found in cattle markets,” she said.

Talking to BSS, Dr Md Golam Haider, Director of the Khulna Divisional Livestock, told BSS that naturally and scientifically fattened through proper management practices for cattle fattening is healthier for the humane body, but the artificially fattening system is very harmful for the human body.

During a visit at Dumuria today, it was found that a few workers are feeding their cattle through mixing artificial fattening food although maximum farm owners are feeding natural and scientific fattening systems. 

Mintu Khan, a cattle farm owner from Tipna village of DumuriaUpazila, said, “ We are rearing cattle like cows, goats, following natural and scientific methods with the help of Livestock officials.

He also urged that drives should be conducted against dishonest traders and take legal action for the greater interest of people, as well as the human body.

This year, farmers have reared more than 14.47 lakh animals in anticipation of Eid, exceeding the demand by 38.78 percent.

Meanwhile, a total of 170 traditional and temporary cattle markets have been set up across all 10 districts of Khulna division to facilitate the sale of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Additionally, 142 veterinary medical teams will be deployed to ensure the health and safety of the animals.