With Eid-ul-Adha, the holy festival of sacrifice, just days away, livestock markets across Bangladesh are bustling with buyers searching for the perfect animal. However, veterinarians and animal health experts warn that unethical traders often resort to harmful practices—such as injecting chemicals or steroids—to make cattle appear artificially fat. These practices not only harm the animals but can also lead to significant financial loss for buyers when the animal falls sick or even dies after purchase.
To help consumers make an informed choice, here is a comprehensive guide to identifying a healthy, sacrifice-worthy cow and recognizing the warning signs of chemically treated livestock.
The Dangers of Chemical and Steroid Use
Unscrupulous sellers often use various drugs and chemicals to give cattle an unnaturally bloated or heavy appearance. Such animals suffer from fluid retention and swelling in muscles and internal organs. When pressed, the body may dent like a sponge and return to shape slowly. These cows are typically lethargic, unable to move normally due to the excess weight, and may refuse to eat.
Key Signs of a Healthy Cow
A genuinely healthy animal displays the following traits:
Alert and Active Behavior: Healthy cows are responsive to their surroundings. They move briskly, react to noise or movement, and actively swat flies with their ears and tail.
Wet Nose: The top of the nose (muzzle) should be moist, often with small droplets of moisture. A dry nose is a red flag.
Chewing Cud: Even when not eating, a healthy cow will be seen chewing its cud (regurgitated food) contentedly. If you offer food, it should show interest and eat eagerly.
Firm Muscles: The muscles, especially on the thighs, should feel firm and solid. Avoid animals where the body feels overly soft or doughy.
Visible Ribs: A few ribs should be faintly visible beneath the skin, indicating natural body condition rather than unnatural bloating.
Bright Coat and Skin: The skin should have a natural shine, and the hump (if present) should be firm, well-formed, and free of sores or lesions.
Normal Temperature: If you place a hand on the body, it should not feel unusually hot. A fever indicates illness.
Red Flags: How to Spot Chemically or Steroid-Treated Cows
Experts advise buyers to stay away from animals exhibiting any of the following signs:
Extreme Lethargy: The cow appears drowsy, exhausted, and uninterested in its surroundings. It may be unable to walk properly or stand steadily.
Excessive Salivation: Constant drooling, especially when paired with a lack of interest in food, can be a sign of steroid misuse.
Rapid Breathing: Breathing that seems labored, fast, or accompanied by a heaving chest—as if the animal is panting—indicates internal distress.
Soft, Spongy Body: When you press on the body, the flesh feels soft, and an indentation remains before slowly filling back. This points to unnatural water retention.
Dry Nose: A persistently dry muzzle is a common sign of illness or chemical stress.
Refusal to Eat: A healthy cow will show interest in fodder or grains. If it refuses to eat or does not chew cud, it is likely unwell.
Final Advice for Buyers
With the festive season approaching, experts urge buyers to take their time, observe animal behavior carefully, and prioritize health over mere size. A naturally healthy cow may look leaner than a chemically bloated one, but it is far more likely to remain active and suitable for sacrifice.
Always consult with a veterinarian or a local livestock officer if you have concerns about an animal’s health before making a purchase. By staying vigilant, consumers can ensure a safe, healthy, and spiritually fulfilling sacrifice while discouraging unethical practices in the market.
