Things to consider before buying sacrificial animals

Eid-ul-Azha, the second-biggest religious festival for Muslims across the world, is only a week away. During this Eid, different types of cattle are sacrificed around Bangladesh and many other countries across the world.

The demand for sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha has increased over the years. During this Eid last year, nearly 1 crore cattle, including cows, goats, sheep, buffaloes and even camels, were sacrificed around the country.

Sacrificial animals should be bought from the markets by choosing healthy, strong, and correct colours. When selecting animals for Qurbani (the Islamic practice of sacrificing animals during this Eid), it is important to ensure that the animals are healthy and meet the required criteria.

Here are some guidelines to help you identify healthy sacrificial animals.

Age: Age is a very important factor in the case of sacrificial animals. 

In the case of cows, the appropriate age should be two years. Usually, it is understood by looking at the teeth of the cow. Up to five years of age can be accurately identified by looking at the teeth of a healthy adult cow.

A two-year-old healthy cow should have two permanent incisors, four at the age of three, six at the age of four, and a total of eight permanent incisors at the age of five. The teeth should be intact and beautiful to look at.

For goats, the appropriate age should be at least one year. In the case of camels, the age should be five years and one year for the sheep. But if the six-month-old sheep is large and looks like a one-year-old, it can be sacrificed.

Physical appearance: Look for animals that have a healthy physical appearance. They should be alert and active, and show no signs of lethargy or weakness. Their eyes should be bright and clear, and their coat should be clean and well-groomed.

Skin and coat: Examine the animal’s skin and coat. The skin should be smooth and supple, without any lesions, rashes, or signs of infection. The coat should be shiny and free from excessive shedding.

Eyes and ears: Check the eyes for any redness, swelling, discharge, or cloudiness. The ears should be clean and free from excessive wax build-up or signs of infection.

Body condition: Check the body condition of the animal. They should have a good body weight, neither too skinny nor excessively overweight. You should be able to feel the appropriate amount of flesh and muscle on the body.

Breathing and respiratory system: Observe the animal’s breathing pattern. It should be regular and not laboured. Check for any abnormal sounds or discharge from the nose or mouth, as these can indicate respiratory issues.

Appetite and digestive system: A healthy animal will have a good appetite and show interest in eating. They should not display any signs of diarrhoea, vomiting or abnormal bowel movements.

Mobility and lameness: Watch the animal move around. They should be able to walk or run without difficulty. Avoid animals that show signs of lameness or have trouble standing or moving.

Behaviour and temperament: Pay attention to the animal’s behaviour and temperament. Healthy animals are usually alert, responsive and display normal behaviour patterns. They should not exhibit excessive aggression, nervousness, or abnormal behaviours.

Veterinary inspection: If possible, have a veterinarian inspect the animals before purchasing or sacrificing them. A veterinary professional can conduct a thorough examination and provide expert advice on their health status.

Remember, it is essential to prioritise the health and well-being of the animals when selecting them for Qurbani. By carefully evaluating their physical condition and seeking professional guidance, if necessary, you can ensure that the animals chosen are suitable for the occasion.

M Rubaiyat Adnan Turjo has completed BSc in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry and is currently a postgraduate research fellow at the Microbiology and Parasitology Department at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University