Photo : BSS

KHULNA, May 14, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 14,34,578 sacrificial animals are available for sale in Khulna division against the demand of about 10,46,689 for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. 

According to sources at the Department of Livestock Services (DoLS) in Khulna, surplus sacrificial animals will stand this year at over 3,87,889 lakh after meeting the demand. 

Dr Mohammad Lutfar Rahman, Director of DoLS in Khulna Division, told BSS that 100 percent of the demand can now be met with locally reared animals, which was less than 40 percent in previous years.

"So, we don't need to import animals from other countries to meet the demand," he added. 
 
Sacrificial animal rearing has increased in 10 districts of the division as farmers found it profitable.

Most of the cattle were reared in 1,29,623 farms in the division, while many farmers also raised animals in their homesteads, Dr Mohammad Lutfar Rahman added.

"Before Eid-ul-Azha, huge sacrificial animals will be brought to makeshift cattle markets of 10 districts and Khulna city," he mentioned.

This year's sacrificial animals include 4,18,848 oxen, 45,918 bullocks, 73,665 cows, 6,317 buffaloes, 8,38,603 goats, 51,132 sheep, and 95 other animals.

Animal prices are expected to a bit higher this year due to increased feed costs, said Md Abdur Razzak, owner of a farm in Shirgati Village in Rupsha Upazila of Khulna.

"I sold 15 oxen, 16 goats last year before Eid-ul-Azha and earned profit over Taka 4.60 lakh, he said, adding that "I expect to be sold over 20 oxen and 25 goats before the Eid-ul-Azha this year," he added.

Last year, farmers in the division prepared over 11.82 lakh animals against a demand of 8.29 lakh, resulting in a surplus of over 3.54 lakh animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.