Welcoming Eid al-Adha, one important aspect that Muslims need to understand is the conditions that determine the validity of sacrificial animal slaughter. In addition to ensuring that the animal is healthy and free from defects, confirming the animal’s age is a fundamental requirement.
To enhance the competence of Qurbani slaughtering committees in Yogyakarta and Central Java, the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM) held a Qurbani Animal Slaughter Training on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the R. Soepardjo Auditorium.
Dr. Nanung Danar Dono, a lecturer at Animal Science UGM, shared tips on how to identify animals that are mature enough for Qurbani through the observation of the dental replacement.
An animal is considered of appropriate age for sacrifice if its teeth have entered the permanent incisor stage (poel).
“In goats and sheep, tooth replacement begins at around one year of age. For cattle, it usually occurs at two years, while for camels, it happens at five years,” the expert said.
This dental transition begins with the central pair of incisors on the lower jaw, as animals such as goats, sheep, and cattle do not have upper incisors.
The lower jaw has four pairs of incisors, totaling eight teeth.
If one pair has been replaced, the animal is considered Poel 1; two pairs replaced means Poel 2, and so on.
Dr. Dono cautioned that some unethical sellers may forcibly remove teeth to give the impression that an animal has reached poel and is thus eligible for Qurbani.
“This is why direct inspection or consultation with an expert is essential,” he advised.
In addition to age, Dr. Dono emphasized the importance of examining the animal’s physical condition.
The animal should not be blind or have any eye deformities; it should also be healthy, without signs of sickness, lameness, or emaciation.
“Avoid selecting animals that seem cheap due to illness or defects. Choosing the best animal is a form of our respect to Allah, just as we aim to offer the best in worship,” he stated.
Furthermore, Qurbani committees must be vigilant for signs of diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which spreads rapidly among livestock; Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), which causes nodules on the skin and spreads among animals (but not to humans); and anthrax, which is extremely dangerous due to its potential to infect humans.
Muhammad Rifqi Ardi, a participant from a mosque committee in Yogyakarta, expressed his appreciation for the training.
He noted that the presentations were highly informative, especially in explaining the criteria for valid Qurbani animals, determining animal age through dental checks, and the procedures for slaughter according to Islamic teachings.
“The material was very engaging and clear. As slaughtermen, we found it very helpful. We hope this kind of training can be held annually to refresh the knowledge of seasonal butchers,” he said.
Similarly, Muhammad Nasir, another participant from Klaten, Central Java, remarked that this training was a positive step toward ensuring safer, more proper, and Sharia-compliant Qurbani practices.
“The training truly enlightened us on proper slaughtering techniques. The slaughtering process has advanced significantly compared to the past. It’s no longer haphazard; people now pay attention to the techniques of bringing down the cattle, knife selection, and hygiene aspects,” he explained.
For this session, Animal Science UGM also invited several other faculty members as resource persons. These included Dr. Cuk Tri Noviandi, who delivered a session on Qurbani Animal Handling, as well as Dr. Endy Triyannanto and Dr. Rusman, who presented on Hygienic Qurbani Meat Management.
Additionally, the training included a free knife-sharpening service for participants.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna