Hotel food waste fed to cattle around Ghatkesar
HYDERABAD: Traditionally, dairy cattle such as cows and buffaloes are fed green fodder and dry fodder. Farmers also mix rice bran, water used to wash rice and occasionally small quantities of leftover cooked rice into cattle feed.
However, a new and risky practice has emerged in recent times, with hotel food waste being used as cattle feed in villages around Hyderabad.
Veterinarians warn of animal diseases, health risks to humans
Leftover food from hotels in Hyderabad and other cities including chicken, mutton, fish curries, biryani, rotis and vegetable dishes is being collected and stored in large drums. Hotel operators are reportedly entering into prior arrangements with dairy farmers, who transport this waste daily to nearby villages and feed it to cattle.
Veterinary experts say that while milk yield may initially increase due to high protein content, the animals’ digestive systems are severely affected over time. This leads to various diseases, reduced fertility and a gradual decline in milk production. Once productivity drops, the animals are often sold to slaughterhouses.
Milk quality affected; doctors flag consumer safety concerns
Doctors warn that milk produced by cattle fed on meat-based food waste is unsafe for human consumption. The altered diet affects milk quality, making it potentially harmful. Despite these risks, the practice is continuing unchecked, residents said.
“Cattle meant to graze on grass are being fed chicken and mutton waste only to cut fodder costs and boost milk yield,” a veterinarian said. “This directly impacts animal health and eventually human health.”
Foul-smelling dung creates sanitation problems in villages
Cattle dung, which traditionally has cultural and agricultural value, has also been affected. Due to the consumption of hotel waste, dung has begun to emit an unbearable stench similar to human waste, locals said.
In several villages along the Musi river in Ghatkesar mandal on the outskirts of Hyderabad, residents have reportedly refused to handle the dung. In many cases, it is washed away with water and discharged into drains, causing blockages and sanitation issues.
Awareness needed on dangers of feeding food waste
“Feeding hotel food waste to cattle is dangerous,” said Padmini, veterinary officer, Ghatkesar. “Though milk yield may increase slightly in the initial stage, the animals become weak later and develop multiple health issues. There is an urgent need to create awareness among dairy farmers about the long-term consequences.”
