Currently, the livestock sales season is in full swing, lasting from August to November. This period coincides with numerous weddings and other celebrations, during which animals are traditionally slaughtered. Despite efforts to reduce wastefulness, families still strive to choose the highest quality meat for festive feasts.
Prices for Horses and Kazy
In the livestock market, horses hold the leading position in terms of cost, with prices ranging from 110,000 to 190,000 soms, depending on various factors including breed, age, sex, and level of fatness. An important indicator is also the slaughter yield - the ratio of meat to the total weight of the animal. Young horses aged two to three years are considered the most suitable for slaughter.The size of the intestine used for preparing kazy—a traditional horse meat dish—also affects the price. The thicker the intestine, the higher the cost of the horse. For example, one horse has a kazy size of about 1.5 cm, while another has up to 2.5 cm. Even a small animal with a thick intestine can cost more than a larger but leaner animal, as kazy is a sought-after horse meat product.
Sellers note that only livestock suitable for celebrations enters the market.
“People come for ready livestock for events. It makes no sense to bring an animal that cannot be used for a toy,” said one of the sellers.
Prices for Cows
This year, the price of cows has approached that of horses, with a large cow now costing around 120,000 soms. A year ago, this price hovered around 90,000. As with horses, factors such as fatness, diet, age, and meat yield percentage influence the cost of cows.Sellers note that the costs of maintaining cattle have increased, which in turn affects meat prices for consumers.
Prices for Sheep
The price of sheep ranges from 10,000 to 25,000 soms, depending on their weight and age. Young animals cost about 12,000-13,000 soms, while larger ones can reach 16,000-17,000 soms.The average price for small livestock has increased by one to two thousand soms compared to last year, and one of the factors for the price rise has been the increase in fuel costs.
“Last year we bought diesel for 60 soms, and now it’s already 80. Logistics are extremely important for us,” noted one of the sellers.Costs for spare parts, feed, animal maintenance, shearing, and market space rental have also increased, which ultimately reflects on the overall cost of livestock. According to forecasts, prices will continue to rise.
