Muffin, a new contender appears!

After Rani's demise, it looks like another cow has stepped up to keep the mantle of "world's shortest cow" inside the country. His name is Muffin, and he stands at just 23.5 inches.

This means the cattle is just 3.5 inches taller than Rani, and other than one other contender -- Gazipur's Tuntuni --, he might just be set to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records.

A Bhutanese dwarf cattle, Muffin is owned by Rajshahi's Arafat Rubel, owner of Sawdagar Agro Farm in the city's Katakhali area.

Rubel first met Muffin at Satkhira only a week ago. Immediately taking a liking, he brought him home to his 11 other dwarf cattle. Rubel started calling him Muffin (small cake), due to his size.

The cattle has already started drawing attention -- from the media as well as residents of the story. Everyday, hundreds of curious people are visiting Rubel's home at Kalur Ghat Mor. Some have even started trying to buy him off, with offers reaching up to a lakh, although Rubel has no intention to sell.

However, he said he'd be willing to give Muffin away if any government institution wants him for research or for public display.

Rubel's farm was set up at the rear end of 2018. He started off breeding uncommon cattle and made good profits rearing the Brahma and Mirkadimer Hasa breeds right away.

"There's popularity in the market for cattle of this ilk. On top of this, they're cost efficient too. The same fodder that would make a local cattle weight six maunds would take exceptional breeds to weigh more than 15 maunds," Rubel said.

"In the eastern districts, the short-bred Bhutanese Bhutti (dwarf cattle) is in high demand," he added.

He started buying the breed around a year ago. When he heard about Muffin a week ago, he rushed to contact the farmer who raised him and brought him home.

Meanwhile, Fazle Rabbi, Paba upazila's livestock officer, has visited Muffin. He told The Daily Star the cow is in sound health. He said Muffin has four teeth, which means it's over two years of age.

However, Rubel said although Muffin is healthy, there are some signs of malnourishment. "With proper care, Muffin will look great in a month," he said.