General Information
- India has the largest population of buffaloes in the world.
- As of recent estimates, India is home to over 100 million buffaloes, accounting for more than 50% of the global buffalo population.
- Pakistan is the second-largest buffalo population in the world, with over 35 million buffaloes.
- India is the largest producer of buffalo milk, contributing around 60% of the total buffalo milk production globally.
- Buffalo milk contributes to about 12-15% of the total global milk production.
- The average milk yield of a buffalo ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 liters per year, with some high-yielding breeds producing up to 5,000 liters per year.
- Buffalo meat is widely consumed in countries like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The global demand for buffalo meat is increasing, particularly in Middle Eastern countries.
- Buffalo leather is a high-quality leather used in various industries, including fashion, furniture, and automotive.
- in certain regions of India, buffaloes form up to 40-50% of total livestock populations.
Buffalo Breeds in India: Classification & Characteristics
Breed | Type | Origin | Milk Yield (kg/lactation) | Fat Content (%) | Key Features |
Murrah | River Buffalo (Superior Milch) | Haryana, Punjab | 1500-2500+ | 7-8 | Best milch breed, black coat, tightly curled horns, high adaptability, used in crossbreeding programs. |
Nili-Ravi | River Buffalo (Superior Milch) | Punjab (India & Pakistan) | 1500-2000+ | 6.5-7.5 | Large body, white markings on forehead & legs, large udder, highly productive. |
Surti | River Buffalo (Superior Milch) | Gujarat (Surat & Baroda) | 1000-1500 | 7-8 | Medium-sized, sickle-shaped horns, high butterfat content, docile nature. |
Mehsana | River Buffalo (Superior Milch) | Gujarat (Mehsana) | 1200-2000 | 6.5-7 | Crossbreed of Murrah & Surti, high adaptability, good milk producer. |
Jaffarabadi | River Buffalo (Average Milch) | Gujarat (Jamnagar) | 1000-1200 | 7-8 | Largest buffalo breed, heavy body, used for both milk and draught purposes. |
Bhadawari | River Buffalo (Average Milch) | UP, MP (Agra, Gwalior) | 800-1200 | 8-12 | Copper-colored coat, high-fat content, good heat tolerance. |
Nagpuri | River Buffalo (Average Milch) | Maharashtra | 700-1200 | 7-9 | Black with white markings, long and flat horns, moderate milk production. |
Godavari | River Buffalo (Superior Milch) | Andhra Pradesh | 1000-1500 | 6-7 | Developed by grading Surti with Murrah, well-suited for coastal regions. |
Pandharpuri | Swamp Buffalo | Maharashtra | 1000-1500 | 7-8 | Long twisted horns, blackish-gray coat, resistant to diseases. |
Toda | Swamp Buffalo (Draught) | Tamil Nadu (Nilgiri Hills) | <500 | 6-7 | Used for draught purposes, white chevron markings, adapted to hilly terrain. |
Classification of Buffaloes in India
Buffaloes in India are mainly classified into two categories:
- River Buffaloes – Found near rivers, irrigation canals, and ponds, developed for high milk production. Examples: Murrah, Nili-Ravi, Surti, Mehsana, Jaffarabadi, Bhadawari, Godavari.
- Swamp Buffaloes – Found in marshy lands, used for draught purposes, lower milk yield. Examples: Nagpuri, Pandharpuri, Toda.
Key Insights on Indian Buffalo Breeds
- Murrah is considered the best dairy breed in India, with high milk yield and high adaptability.
- Nili-Ravi and Surti also have high productivity, with fat-rich milk.
- Jaffarabadi and Bhadawari are dual-purpose breeds used for milk and draught work.
- Swamp buffaloes like Toda are mainly used for ploughing and transport.
Crossbreeds of Buffaloes in India
| Crossbreed Name | Parent Breeds | Region Developed | Milk Yield (kg/lactation) | Fat % | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mehsana | Murrah × Surti | Gujarat | 1200-2000 | 6.5-7 | High adaptability, good milk producer, developed for Gujarat’s climatic conditions. |
| Godavari | Murrah × Surti | Andhra Pradesh | 1000-1500 | 6-7 | Developed for the coastal climate of Andhra Pradesh, good milk yield. |
| Banni | Murrah × Local Kutch Buffaloes | Gujarat (Kutch) | 1500-2500 | 7-8 | Well-adapted to desert areas, high stamina, night-time milking behavior. |
| Nili-Ravi Hybrid | Nili-Ravi × Murrah | Punjab, Haryana | 1500-2000+ | 6.5-7.5 | High milk yield, strong build, adapted to Punjab climate. |
| Pandharpuri Hybrid | Pandharpuri × Murrah | Maharashtra | 1000-1500 | 7-8 | Long twisted horns, disease-resistant, suitable for semi-arid regions. |
