Mankada, Malappuram: Animal husbandry is taken quite seriously in Kerala. Though many raise cattle to sustain themselves, a few devote money and energy on cows, buffaloes and bulls out of passion. Vadakkangara-native Muneer has a few mighty buffaloes in his possession and they are often paraded at exhibitions.
A buffalo named Sulthan is the latest cattle in Muneer's proud possession. It will give company to Manikyam which had become a star after wowing public who had attended an exhibition held at Kasaragod last year.
Sulthan weighs 1,460 kg and Manikyam 1,200kg. Sulthan is the progeny of a huge buffalo named "Haryana Yuvraj" that had become a star on social media.
Manikyam was bought as a calf from Ottapalam. Muneer tended to it with great devotion and it grew to attain a weight of over a ton.
Muneer's fortunes changed as Manikyam became popular. At the end of the 14-day Kasaragod exhibition, Muneer had pocketed Rs 1.5 lakh after deducting the expenses.
Manikyam was later taken to Kottakkal too for an exhibition.
Apart from grass and hay, the buffaloes are given horse gram and wheat bran.
A painting worker, Muneer also has calves of the Kasaragod Dwarf and Vechur breeds.