MR MOO-NIVERSE
Shocking pic of muscle-bound bull sparks a ‘roid rage’ row online after image of giant beast goes viral
Belgian Blues have a naturally occurring mutation called 'double-muscling' which turns them into bovine beefcakes
A MUTANT breed of cattle has sparked an internet "roid rage" row over their freakishly muscle-bound bodies.
These startling images of Belgian Blues come days after another bovine behemoth - a 6ft 4ins steer called Knickers - shocked the world.
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While Knickers made global headlines for her record height and weight this 'muscles from Brussels' breed are big all over.
That's because Belgian Blues have a naturally occurring mutation called "double-muscling" - which turns them into beefcakes.
However, some of those to have seen online photos and clips of the burly cattle are convinced they must be on steroids.
"It should be illegal to inject steroids into any animal... it takes it out of its natural healthy looking character," wrote one.
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"Insane...pathetic what they did to these poor creatures," wrote one of the millions of YouTube viewers to have seen the 'muscles from Brussels' breed.
However, others hit back to point out their bizarre appearance is actually down to a natural occurring genetic mutation.
One replied: ‘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."Double muscling occurs in animals which lack a certain protein that regulates its muscle growth.
Although it is natural, the way the mutation has been perpetuated is not, says PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
The meat industry selectively breeds animals who exhibit this mutation to produce bigger animals and, therefore, more meat
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And the breed's bodybuilder profile certainly comes at a high price as they often suffer a slew of serious health problems.
Pregnancies are very difficult, and the animals almost always require C-sections to deliver their babies.
Once the calves are born, they may have a number of birth defects, including enlarged tongues, which can make it difficult for them to nurse.
Earlier this week we told how enormous Knickers had made it into the record books.
The seven-year-old behemoth - named Knickers - has now became big MOOS around the world after the steer's story went viral
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"He's gone from being a production animal to I guess some sort of star," said cattle farmer Geoff Pearson
"We always got comments from anyone who saw him but he's rapidly becoming a local celebrity now. I'm not sure how we will handle his newfound popularity."
A Canadian farmer has now claimed his super steer is an INCH taller than Knickers.
Karl Schoenrock says his own steer Dozer is just over 6ft 5ins, calling him a "gentle giant".