World's strongest bulls, genetic mutation creates 'bodybuilder' cattle

BELGIUM: A bizarre clip of two burly bulls has divided opinion on social media - with users claiming their exaggerated body shapes are the result of steroid injections.

But while some cattle may be subjected to this shocking treatment to make their meat more valuable, some are simply born this way, it's claimed.

One breed, the Belgian Blue, are born with a genetic mutation which causes their muscles to more than double in size, instead of enlarging at a normal rate.

They also have an increased ability to convert food into lean muscle, rather than fat - something that could revolutionise the future of beef production.

However, due to their shocking appearance, over 1.1 million Facebook users have seen the video, with many slamming the cows' muscular forms, believing they have been created through the use of steroids.

One social media user wrote: "This should be illegal to inject so much hormones and steroids into any animal it takes it out of its natural healthy looking character. This is sick and sad. [sic]"

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But another fired back: "This is a belgian breed of cattle that looks like this because of a genetic mutation that results in increased muscle mass!!! So stop this steroid and animal cruelty nonsense and waste your energy on something with more relevance. [sic]"

It has not been confirmed what breed these particular cattle are, or where the footage was filmed.