BACHOK, Being gigantic is the main factor for cows dubbed ‘lembu sado’ being the preferred choice to be sacrificed during Aidiladha – even when the price of one can easily reach five digits.
Breeder Noraimi Hasan, 53, better known as Paksu Mie, said the gigantic cattle were not just being sought after for their size, but also for the fact that, once cooked, the meat tasted better and more tender compared to normal-size local cattle.
He said two out of nine gigantic cows on his farm, each weighing more than 700kg and priced at almost RM11,000, have already been sold to buyers in Kota Bharu to be sacrificed on Aidiladha, which falls on June 17.
‘It is not uncommon for buyers to come looking for gigantic cattle to be sacrificed on Aidiladha as the bigger the cattle, the more meat it will have, other than the fact that it is indeed tastier.
‘Normally, the gigantic cattle is sold for about RM1,300 to RM1,500 per part, depending on its size. Since its is gigantic, it needs at least eight men just to pull it do
wn for slaughtering, he told Bernama when met at his house in Pantai Senok here.
Elaborating, Noraimi who has been breeding gigantic cows or six years said he only bred Charolais and Limousin cattle because the price was higher than local cattle.
He said he started the business with a capital of RM4,000 to buy a Charolais cattle before it breeds and is able to give a good return.
‘In order to ensure that these cows continue bearing calves, we resort to artificial insemination. This procedure is done using seeds imported from France and Ireland, with the help of the Veterinary Department,’ he said.
Noraimi said he allocated around RM10 ringgit per day for each of his cattle to be given bran and grass in the morning and evening with the quantity depending on their sizes.
‘Among the constraints of rearing these cattle is the cost of expensive food supply in addition to the risk of contracting foot-and-mouth disease. To reduce the risk of this infection, I will make sure each cattle is injected with FMD vacc
ine every three or four months which cost me around RM70,’ he said.
A buyer, Mohd Izwan Seman, 31, said it is an annual routine for him for the past three years to get a gigantic cow for sacrifice during Aidiladha.
‘Although the price is more expensive than local cattle, I am satisfied and I think it is worth it because the meat obtained is very abundant and can be distributed to many people in need,’ he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency