For the first time in Bangladesh, the beef breed Brahman is being raised at farm level. The cattle are expected to weigh 25 to 30 maunds, 20 maunds more than common cattle.

The Brahman originated in the Indian subcontinent and was developed by American scientists, so it is sometimes called the "American Brahman". Scientists brought its semen to Bangladesh on a trial basis in 2008. Bulls from that semen are now helping spread the breed. In 2014-15, Brahman semen was given to 260 cows of 130 selected farmers in 80 upazilas of 38 districts.

S M A Samad, director of the Beef Cattle Development Project, said more than 3,000 calves have been born and 25,000 Brahman inseminations completed. Under the project, calves reach 183 kg at six months, and bulls from that semen are now 15 to 18 months old. "Where a local bull weighs at most 80 kg at this age, Brahman cattle on farms have reached 440 to 460 kg, which amazes farmers," he said.

The breed is spreading quickly through the Department of Livestock Services. Veterinary surgeon Shafiqul Islam Manik of Sakhipur, Tangail, said about 300 doses of semen have been given there. Those involved hope Brahman bulls will make a stir as heavy animals in next year's Qurbani market.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.