Buffaloes are an integral part of India’s livestock sector, contributing significantly to milk production, draught power, and meat production. India is the largest producer of buffalo milk in the world, with buffaloes contributing nearly 50-55% of total milk production. Known for their adaptability to hot and humid climates and their ability to thrive on low-quality feed, buffaloes are preferred over cattle in many regions of India.
The productivity of buffaloes depends on their breed, which varies in terms of milk yield, fat content, body size, and adaptability. Some breeds are recognized for their high milk production, while others are suited for draught work and meat production. This article highlights more than 10 top buffalo varieties in India, their characteristics, regions of prominence, and specific uses.
1. Murrah
Murrah is one of the most popular and widely recognized buffalo breeds in India.
- Region: Haryana, Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh
- Appearance: Jet black body with tightly curled horns
- Milk Yield: 15–25 liters/day
- Fat Content: 7–8%
- Characteristics:
- Known as the “Black Gold” due to its high milk yield and quality
- Highly adaptable to diverse climates
- Efficient feed converter
- Uses: High milk production and breeding
2. Jaffarabadi
Jaffarabadi buffaloes are known for their large size and high milk yield, making them ideal for commercial dairies.
- Region: Gujarat (Saurashtra region)
- Appearance: Massive body with curved horns that droop backward
- Milk Yield: 10–15 liters/day
- Fat Content: 8–9%
- Characteristics:
- Excellent for both milk production and meat purposes
- Strong and sturdy, making them suitable for draught power
- Uses: Milk, meat production, and draught work
3. Bhadawari
Bhadawari buffaloes are small to medium-sized and are known for their high-fat content in milk.
- Region: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
- Appearance: Copper-colored body with upward-curved horns
- Milk Yield: 6–12 liters/day
- Fat Content: 8–10%
- Characteristics:
- Produces milk with one of the highest fat percentages
- Drought-resistant and thrives in hot climates
- Uses: High-fat milk, dairy products like ghee and butter
4. Surti
Surti buffaloes are a medium-sized breed with excellent feed conversion efficiency.
- Region: Gujarat (Surat and surrounding districts)
- Appearance: Black to brown body with sickle-shaped horns
- Milk Yield: 8–12 liters/day
- Fat Content: 7–8%
- Characteristics:
- High-quality milk with good fat content
- Efficient in converting low-quality feed into milk
- Uses: Milk production and small-scale dairying
5. Mehsana
Mehsana buffaloes are a cross between Murrah and Surti breeds, known for their balanced characteristics.
- Region: Gujarat (Mehsana region)
- Appearance: Black body with slightly curled horns
- Milk Yield: 10–15 liters/day
- Fat Content: 6–7%
- Characteristics:
- Produces milk consistently with moderate fat content
- Adaptable to both stall-fed and grazing systems
- Uses: Milk production
6. Nili-Ravi
Nili-Ravi buffaloes are popular for their high milk production and distinctive appearance.
- Region: Punjab (India and Pakistan)
- Appearance: Jet black body with white markings on the forehead and tail tip
- Milk Yield: 15–20 liters/day
- Fat Content: 6.5–8%
- Characteristics:
- High productivity with excellent milk yield
- Good adaptability to different climates
- Uses: High-quality milk production
7. Pandharpuri
Pandharpuri buffaloes are known for their long, twisted horns and high milk yield.
- Region: Maharashtra (Kolhapur and Pandharpur regions)
- Appearance: Medium-sized body with long horns
- Milk Yield: 8–12 liters/day
- Fat Content: 6–7%
- Characteristics:
- Excellent for milk production and draught work
- Tolerant to hot and humid climates
- Uses: Milk production and light draught power
8. Toda
Toda buffaloes are a unique breed reared by the Toda tribes in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu.
- Region: Tamil Nadu (Nilgiri Hills)
- Appearance: Dark body with backward-curved horns
- Milk Yield: 2–4 liters/day
- Fat Content: 8–10%
- Characteristics:
- Produces milk with very high-fat content
- Adapted to hilly and cold regions
- Uses: Traditional dairy products and ceremonial uses
9. Nagpuri
Nagpuri buffaloes are a dual-purpose breed used for milk production and draught work.
- Region: Maharashtra (Nagpur region)
- Appearance: Black body with long, twisted horns
- Milk Yield: 6–10 liters/day
- Fat Content: 7–8%
- Characteristics:
- Good resistance to heat and drought
- Strong and sturdy for light farm work
- Uses: Milk production, draught work
10. Jhani
Jhani buffaloes are reared primarily for their milk production and adaptability to coastal climates.
- Region: Orissa, Andhra Pradesh
- Appearance: Medium-sized body with small horns
- Milk Yield: 5–8 liters/day
- Fat Content: 7–8%
- Characteristics:
- Thrives in coastal regions with saline water
- Produces milk with moderate fat content
- Uses: Small-scale milk production
FAQs
Q1: Which buffalo breed has the highest milk yield in India?
A: The Murrah breed has the highest milk yield, producing up to 25 liters/day under good management conditions.
Q2: Which buffalo breed is suitable for hilly regions?
A: The Toda breed from the Nilgiri hills is well-adapted to hilly and cold regions.
Q3: What is the fat content of buffalo milk?
A: The fat content of buffalo milk ranges between 6–10%, depending on the breed. Bhadawari and Toda buffaloes produce milk with the highest fat content.
Q4: Which buffalo breed is suitable for draught work?
A: Nagpuri and Pandharpuri buffaloes are suitable for light farm work and draught power.
Q5: Where is the Murrah buffalo primarily found?
A: The Murrah buffalo is primarily found in Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Western Uttar Pradesh.
Conclusion
Buffalo farming plays a crucial role in India’s dairy and livestock economy. Popular breeds like Murrah, Jaffarabadi, Surti, and Nili-Ravi are renowned for their high milk production, while others like Nagpuri and Pandharpuri are dual-purpose breeds. Selecting the right breed based on geographical location, purpose (milk or draught), and management practices can significantly enhance productivity and profitability for farmers.
