Bigger cattle fail to attract customers

BAGERHAT, Oct 4 (UNB): People seem more eager to buy local progenies instead of the foreign or cross-breed cows as the sale of sacrificial animals is at its peak in the markets across the frontier district ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
During a visit to several cattle markets on Saturday, this correspondent found that people were mostly buying medium-size cows within the price range of Tk 35,000-40,000, whereas the bigger size cattle failed to attract them.
Harun Sheikh, a trader from Rampal upazila, said he had reared 30 big size cattle of Australian origin in his farm over the last one year, but failed to attract any customer in several markets of thedistrict.
Harun brought a bull of Australian origin to Betaga Haat in Fakirhat upazila and demanded a price of Tk 240,000 for it.
Although a few customers came close to the bull, they did not even bargain after hearing the price, he said.
Hasehm Ali, who bought three bulls at a total price of Tk 1,00,000 from Betaga Haat, said although he had a budget of Tk 120,000 for buying the sacrificial animals and intended to buy one big bull with the sum, he changed his decision finding the price of medium size cattle more reasonable.
Kamal Hossain, another customer, said he had heard that harmful medicines and injections are pushed into the cattle to promote quick growth and decided not to go for the bigger cattle.
Across the district, 38 cattle markets have been set up ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.