Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, crowds of buyers are starting to build at the country's cattle markets. Some are buying cattle, others goats or sheep. But many people are cheated because of inexperience or haste. An animal may look plump from the outside, yet later turn out to be sick, of the wrong age, or artificially bloated to look bigger.

So it is important to know a few things before buying a sacrificial animal. With a little care it is possible to choose a good, healthy and suitable animal. Here are some useful ways to recognise one.

The biggest signs of a good, healthy animal are its eyes and behaviour. Bright, normal eyes usually indicate good health. Be careful if the eyes look very red, watery or cloudy. A moist, clean nose is also a good sign. Excessive drooling, repeated coughing or panting may point to illness. It is also important to check whether the animal is standing normally.

It is very important that a sacrificial animal is of the age required by Islamic rules. Many sellers try to make an animal look older than it is, so it helps to know how to check age from the teeth. In cattle, when two permanent teeth have come in, the animal is usually taken to be about two years old. Four teeth indicate an older animal. Goats and sheep can also be aged by their teeth. If possible, take someone experienced with you to the market.

Some dishonest traders now use harmful drugs or steroids to fatten animals quickly. The animal may look big and heavy, but the quality of the meat suffers and it can pose a health risk. An artificially fattened animal may show abnormal swelling. It often has difficulty walking or behaves restlessly. The skin may be taut, yet the animal lacks normal vitality. Such animals are best avoided.

A healthy animal is usually lively and behaves normally. Difficulty walking, limping or repeatedly sitting down may be signs of illness. Check carefully for wounds, sores or skin disease, and see whether the tail, ears and hooves are clean.

If possible, ask the seller whether the animal eats properly. A healthy animal has a normal appetite; be cautious if it does not eat at all or looks weak. An abnormally swollen belly is also a warning sign, as animals are sometimes given extra water or feed to make them look bigger for a while.

Because Qurbani markets are crowded, theft, snatching and fraud also occur. It is best not to carry extra cash or valuables. If possible, pay through mobile banking or a bank. Going with a family member or someone you know, rather than alone, makes it easier to stay safe.

The price of an animal can differ from one market to another, so it is better to visit several markets or compare the prices of several animals before deciding. Do not pay more just because an animal is big; the price should reflect its health, age and build.

A sacrificial animal must be free of certain defects. An animal that is blind, seriously ill, extremely weak or has a broken leg is not suitable for Qurbani, so it is important to know the religious rules before buying.

Buying a sacrificial animal is not just a purchase; it also has religious and social importance. Give more weight to the animal's health, age and suitability than to emotion or outward show. Staying alert to a few points is enough to avoid being cheated and to buy a good, healthy animal, so learn what you need before going to the market, be patient and decide with care.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.