Why Breeders Are Giving Viagra To Their Fighter Cocks In Andhra?

The cockfights are a pivotal part of Sankranti celebrations in rural Andhra Pradesh. Thousands of illegal cockfight arenas have already sprung up in the interiors of the state where trained roosters engage in "fights to the death".

However, due to the impact of a viral illness, Ranikhet, numerous champions are finding it challenging to meet expectations. The disease has left roosters weak and not in a good shape to fight.

This year, Sankranti falls on Jan 14, 15 and 16 and with so little time, some breeders are addressing this issue by giving their roosters 1/4th of a Viagra pill, Shilajit and Vitamins to boost performance just a couple of hours before the fight.

Although these drugs keep them on a high for a short time but in the long run, the results can be harmful.

Many breeders are even feeding aphrodisiacs to their roosters which is meant only for human consumption.

This is the first time when such hormone-stimulating drugs are being given to birds, hence, it is not clear whether these drugs can boost the fighting spirits of fighter cocks or not.

Why breeders are giving drugs to roosters?
Onlookers bet on the winning bird. Surprisingly, hundreds of crores are being placed on bets.

Breeders said that they were unable to find good quality fighting cocks after Ranikhet. The weight of a bird and its mobility play an important role in the fight. Therefore, they are turning towards drugs to keep the roosters for a long time in the ring.

Drugs can lead to mutations in poultry
Veterinary experts warn that hormone-boosting drugs can cripple the birds and can also result in mutations that may be harmful when such poultry is consumed by humans.