Our Correspondent
RANGPUR, Oct 12: Rearing of Brahman species of cow has ushered in a new hope among the cattle rearers of Rangpur district in recent years.
According to sources the Brahman or Brahma is a breed of Zebuin cattle that was first bred in America from cattle breeds imported from India.
Brahman variety cattle were produced by cross-breeding Kankrej, Gujarat, Nelore and the Gir strains.
This variety of cattle is one of the most popular breeds intended for meat processing and is widely used in many countries in the world including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, United States and Australia. The variety is mainly used for breeding as well as for meat.
Brahman cattle are known for their extreme tolerance to heat and are widespread in tropical regions. They are resistant to insects owing to their thick skin. It can live longer than many other breeds.
Sources said prospect of Brahman variety of cattle is bright in Rangpur as well as in Bangladesh. The climate of Rangpur region is also favourable for rearing this species.
In Rangpur a good number of cattle farmers are engaged in rearing Brahman variety of cow under "Beef Cattle Development Project" of Department of Livestock.
There are 200 beneficiaries of the project at Mirganj area in Rangpur city who were selected by the department and given training.
Each of the beneficiaries has been provided with wormicide and vitamins at free of cost, sources also said.
It is learnt that the main purpose of this project is to produce improved variety of calves as a cross-breed of local cows and Brahman bulls.
Amena Banu, a beneficiary of the project at Mirganj, Tampaat area in Rangpur city said rearing of Brahman variety has brought financial solvency to her family. They get all sorts of necessary assistance from district livestock office, she said.
Hafizul Islam, another cow rearer of the same area under the project said a cow of Brahman variety can weigh 1,000 kg or one tonne within three years while local cattle can weigh only 70 kg to 80 kg during the same period, he added.
District Livestock Officer Dr Md. Shahjalal Khandker said Brahman variety of cow can play an important role in meeting the requirements of meat in the region as well as the country.
Rearing of such variety of cattle has proved lucrative in recent years, he said. Due to huge profit cattle farm owners of the region are showing their interest in its farming, he added.
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