The Indian government announced new regulations in May under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, virtually banning the sale of cattle for slaughter, causing disputes among Muslims and business associations. 

Cows are considered sacred in the Hindu religion and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government wants a nationwide ban on cow slaughtering and the beef trade.

In addition to cows, bulls, bullocks and calves, the new regulations also included buffaloes, camels, steers and heifers. 

The new rules are likely to further alienate Muslims, who make up 14% of India's population, as beef is a major part of their diet.

Many from India's Muslim community have protested the new rules, saying the law is not only discriminatory but also has financial implications for small traders, farmers and many Muslim workers.

Last week, an Indian court suspended the federal government's ban for four weeks.

And the heads of two Indian states and various business associations have vowed to challenge the law. 

The southern state of Kerala has strongly objected the new regulations with the state's finance minister saying it was a big blow to the agrarian economy.

India is one of the largest exporters of buffalo meat. Buyers include Vietnam, Malaysia and Egypt.

Each year, India produces millions of tons of beef and almost half is exported.