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Buffalo breeds:
1. MURRAH
Origin: The home tract of this breed is mainly in Punjab and Delhi.
Distinguishing characters:
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The breed tract is Rohtak,Hisar and Jind of Haryana.
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The breed characteristics are massive body, neck and head comparatively long, horns short and tightly curled, Udder well developed, hip broad and fore – and hind quarters drooping.
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The average milk production per lactation is 1,500to 2,500 kg.
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On an average the daily milk yield is found to be 8-10 liter, whereas a cross breed murrah buffalo gives 6-8 liter per day.
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The age at first calving is 45 – 50 months in villages but in good herds it is 36 – 40 months.
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The inter-calving period is 450 – 500 days
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It performs well in coastal and slightly cold climatic areas.
SURTI
Origin: Gujarat.
Distinguishing Characters:
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The Native tracts of this breed is Kaira and Baroda districts of Gujarat.
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The body is well shaped and medium sized.
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The barrel is wedge shaped.
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The head is long with prominent eyes.
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The horns are sickle shaped, moderately long and flat.
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The colour is black or brown the peculiarity of breed is two white collars one round the jaw and the other at the brisket.
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The average milk yield is around 1700kgs.
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The age at first calving is 40 to 50 months with an intercalving period of 400 – 500 days.
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The bullocks are good for light work.
BUFFALOE SELECTION
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In India, we have good buffalo breeds like Murrah and Mehsana, which are suitable for commercial dairy farm.
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Buffalo milk has more demand for making butter and butter oil (Ghee), as fat percentage in milk is higher then cow. Buffalo milk is also preferred for making tea, a welcoming drink in common Indian household.
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Buffaloes can be maintained on more fibrous crop residues, hence scope for reducing feed cost.
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Buffaloes largely mature late and give birth to calves at 16 to 18 months interval. Male calves fetch little value.
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Buffaloes need cooling facility e.g. wallowing tank or showers / foggers with fan.
sOURCE : NDDB
Regards
Ashwini
