Last Updated:June 13, 2025, 17:19 IST
While conventional cattle feed like ‘khal-chuni’ (a blend of oilcakes and chuni) costs Rs 30 per kgs, the beer waste is being supplied at the same price for 5 kgs
Dr Pradeep Bansal, a child specialist based in Aligarh, said that milk from animals fed on beer waste is nothing less than a slow poison. (Representative Image/Pixabay)
A disturbing practice unfolding in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked serious concerns over the safety of buffalo milk consumed by thousands of families, especially children. In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that the by-product from beer factories is being used as fodder for buffaloes in several areas of the district, all in the pursuit of higher profits and milk yields.
Veterinary and health experts warned that while this industrial waste, often touted as a cheap alternative to traditional cattle feed, does increase milk production in buffaloes, it poses grave health risks to both animals and humans.
Sources said that the residue from beer manufacturing units was being sold openly to dairy farmers at throwaway prices. While conventional cattle feed like ‘khal-chuni‘ (a blend of oilcakes and chuni) costs Rs 30 per kgs, the beer residue is being supplied at the same price for 5 kgs, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious dairy owners.
Animal breeder Roop Kishore admitted candidly, “Yes, we’ve been using brewery waste for quite some time now. It’s cheap and increases milk output significantly. For small farmers, this is economical and profitable.”
But behind this economic benefit lies a disturbing consequence.
Dr Puneet Gupta, a senior veterinary specialist, issued a stark warning, saying, “This waste is not suitable as animal fodder. It shortens the animal’s life span drastically. A buffalo that usually lives for 10 years dies within five after consuming this for a prolonged period.” According to him, the nutrients in the waste may temporarily boost milk production, but the long-term effects are disastrous.
Pediatricians are even more alarmed. Dr Pradeep Bansal, a child specialist based in Aligarh, said that milk from animals fed on such waste is nothing less than a slow poison, especially for children. “It can lead to the development of serious health conditions over time,” he said, emphasising the urgent need for parents to verify the source of their milk and ensure its quality.
“Most parents believe they are giving their children the best nourishment. In reality, they might be unknowingly exposing them to dangerous toxins,” he said.
Given the alarming situation, experts are now calling for immediate regulation of dairy practices and stricter monitoring of cattle feed sources to safeguard public health. Until then, they urge families to buy milk only from trusted sources and, if possible, shift to packaged or tested milk varieties.
- Location :
Aligarh, India, India
- First Published:
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