PHITSANULOK – Thailand’s "buffalo prince" – an award-winning bovine bull worth about 5 million baht – died of a sudden illness Wednesday night.
Seven-year-old Baiyok had swept more than 40 championship ribbons in competitions nationwide and was crowned the "buffalo prince" after being named "champion of champions".
The bull's owner, Somsak Thamla-ied of Big Ice Thai Buffalo Farm in Phrom Phiram district, said the 1,200-kilogramme buffalo was acclaimed as the most handsome animal in the country and its value had risen to 5 million baht, a possible record for one buffalo in Thailand.
The president of Thai Buffalo Conservation and Development Association said 165-centimetre Baiyok was sick from muscle strain after it got hurt trying to cross its pen to mate with a female last week. Baiyok then joined a buffalo contest event on Feb 27 and later was taken to Chiang Mai to join another event on March 2.
Baiyok, the buffalo, is inspected by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to Phrom Phiram district in Phitsanulok on June 30. (Photo by Jiraporn Kuhakan)
The "buffalo prince" had stomach problems while on tour, so it was examined after its return to the farm. The beast was given antibiotics, but finally succumbed around 10pm Wednesday.
Mr Sombat said his family was very sad over the sudden departure of Baiyok, as it was raised as a family member. It was inspected by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to Phrom Phiram district last year.
The owner organised a small Buddhism rite before burying the bison in a large pit inside the farm. It will be buried there for two years, then its bones will be recovered and assembled for future anatomy study.
However, the farm still has its semen and expects to breed more of Baiyok's offspring. Visitors to the farm will see the statue of Baiyok, which Mr Sombat had made earlier.
Itthiphol Bupphasiri, Phrom Phiram district chief, said it was a great loss for the community but the farm planned to promote other buffaloes in the future.