Buffaloes, scientifically called Bubalus Bublis, have played an important role in Indian agriculture for centuries. India is home to some of the best native breeds of buffalo, which are highly valued for their milk production, strength, and adaptability to the country’s diverse climatic conditions. There are several types of buffalo breeds in India, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. In this article, Top 10s Only takes an in-depth look at all the vital information about these popular Indian buffalo breeds – their physical features, milk production, etc. Whether you’re a farmer looking to invest in a new breed of buffalo or simply interested in learning more about these magnificent animals, this article is the perfect guide for you.
Discover The Top 10 Best Indigenous Buffalo Breeds in India
India is home to a vast and diverse array of indigenous livestock breeds, and among them, buffalo breeds hold a special place. With a rich history of buffalo rearing, India boasts a range of unique and robust buffalo breeds that are well-suited to the country’s diverse climatic conditions and agricultural practices. These buffalo breeds have been an integral part of Indian culture and economy for centuries, providing dairy products, meat, and labor to rural communities. Given below are the top 10 best indigenous buffalo breeds in India.
1. Jaffarabadi
Jaffarabadi
The Jaffarabadi buffalo is one of the heaviest buffalo breeds found in India and is named after Jaffarabad, a town in Gujarat. These buffaloes can be seen in huge numbers near the Gir forest area, which is famous for lions. The Jaffarabadi buffaloes are strong and sturdy and are of those breeds that can fight off the lions in the forest of Gir. They are also listed among the high milk-yielding native buffalo breeds in India. Some of the interesting facts about this best Indian buffalo breed are:
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
This native Indian buffalo breed is known by various names, such as Gir, Bhavangri, or Jaffari.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Jaffarabadi/Jaffari buffalo is an impressively large animal with distinct physical features. Its massive body is elongated, complemented by a huge head with a wide and prominent forehead bone that partially covers the eyes, resulting in a characteristic “sleepy” appearance. The buffalo’s horns are heavy, drooping downwards and turning upwards at a certain point. Its neck is broad and thick, while its ears are horizontal and long. Additionally, the fully developed udder of an adult Jaffarabadi/Jaffari buffalo boasts funnel-shaped teats, while its tail is typically grey or white, contrasting against the buffalo’s black colouration.
Average Life Span
NA
Average Body Weight
The Jaffarabadi/Jaffari buffalo can weigh up to 700 kg or more.
Milk Yield Per Day
Approximately 15 to 18 kg per day.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield of the Jaffarabadi buffalo can be between 2150 and 2340 kg.
Milk fat percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk is 7.7%.
Number of days of milking
The Jaffarabadi buffalo yields milk about 305 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of 320 days.
Lactation Length
Around 300 days.
Calving Interval
About 440 days every year.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen when the female is about 50 months old.
Place Of Origin
The Jaffarabadi buffalo is a native of the Jaffarabadi Saurashtra region. The breeding tract includes many districts of Gujarat, like Junagadh, Amreli, Porbandar, Rajkot, and Jamnagar.
Advantage Of Owning The Jaffarabadi Buffalo
The Jaffarabadi buffaloes are considered good milkers as they produce high-quality milk in terms of fat percentage. Male buffaloes are used to haul heavy loads and are good draught animals, so they are used for ploughing and in carts.
Price
Depending on the physical traits and lineage, a Jaffarabadi buffalo can cost from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakhs.
2. Murrah
Murrah
The Murrah buffalo is yet another native Indian buffalo breed that originated in India and is highly regarded for its exceptional milk production. It is a type of water buffalo. It is one of the best Indian buffaloes and is popular among Indian farmers as it is a good milk producer. Even across the world, this buffalo has helped improve milk production in countries where it is reared. Sri Lanka, Brazil, Philippines, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, and Ecuador are some of the countries that have seen increased milk production due to Murrah buffaloes. Find more information about the Murrah buffalo below.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
This native Indian buffalo breed is also called Kali, Kundi, or Delhi.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Murrah buffaloes are beautiful animals that are jet-black in colour. They may sometimes have white markings on their legs and faces. They have huge bodies with long necks (females have thin necks, while males have thick ones) and heads. Their horns are curved, short, and tightly coiled. The females have prominent and active eyes, while the male buffaloes have shrunken eyes. Murrah buffaloes have broad hips and udders that are well-developed.
Average Life Span
The Murrah buffalo can live for 11 to 12 years.
Average Body Weight
The Murrah buffalo could have an average weight of 750 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
Average of 14 to 15 litres
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 2000 litres
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage in the milk of the Murrah buffalo is 6.9–8.3%.
Number Of Days Of Milking
The Murrah buffalo yields milk for about 305 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of 310 days.
Lactation Length
Around 300 days.
Calving Interval
About 400 to 500 days.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen when the female is about 44 months old.
Place Of Origin
The breeding tract includes the Jind, Gurgaon, Hisar, and Rotak districts of Delhi and Haryana. It is also found in Punjab and a few places in Uttar Pradesh.
Advantage Of Owning The Murrah Buffalo
It is a dairy breed that produces high-quality and large quantities of milk.
Price
Depending on the physical traits and lineage, it can be priced at Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,30,000.
3. Surti
Surti
This is a native Indian buffalo breed that is popular among farmers as it thrives well on no or limited green fodder. They are light in weight when compared to other breeds and also consume less fodder, making them one of the good indigenous buffalo breeds in India. It is popular among marginal farmers who have less land. Below are some of the important details about this breed.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
This native Indian buffalo breed is named after the place of its origin, Surat. It is known by various names, like Talabda, Deccani, Charotari, and Nadiadi.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Surti buffalo is a medium-sized indigenous buffalo that is rusty brown, silver-grey or black in colour. The head of this animal is long and broad and has a convex shape. The horns are flat and sickle-shaped, moderately long, and form a hook. The Surti buffalo has a long tail, and they have prominent eyes. Some of these animals have two collars that are white in colour, one at the brisket and the other at the jaw. The females have well-formed udders in between the hind legs.
Average Life Span
NA
Average Body Weight
Average of 400 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
The Surti buffalo can give about 19 litres of milk per day.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 1500 to 16000 kg.
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk is around 7 percent.
Number Of Days Of Milking
It yields milk about 305 days a year
Gestation Period
An average of 305 to 320 days
Lactation Length
Around 290 days
Calving Interval
About 400 to 425 days
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 56 months
Place Of Origin
The breeding tract of this buffalo is in the Surat, Kheda, Bharuch, and Vadodara districts of Gujarat.
Advantage Of Owning The Surti Buffalo
It is used mainly for milk production, and the males are used for light ploughing.
Price
Approx. Rs 80,000 for a female Surti buffalo. The cost of male Surti buffaloes depends on many factors.
4. Toda
Toda
The Toda buffaloes are one of the unique native Indian buffalo breeds popular in India. It is named after the Toda tribe, which reared these buffaloes for dairy. They are very powerful animals that can fight other wild animals if needed. These buffaloes have small herds, with a few males and many females. These animals are found mostly in dense forests and come out for breeding. Below are a few data points about this breed.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
NA
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Toda buffaloes are medium-sized buffaloes with broad, deep chests and long bodies. The head is large and heavy with stout limbs. The neck has two markings, and the tail is slim and long with a black switch. The forehead is broad and concave, with a face that is wide and short. They have ash grey skin colour and horns that are crescent-shaped and curved upward, making a semi-circle.
Average Life Span
NA
Average Body Weight
The Toda buffalo weighs around an average of 380 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
About 7 litres.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 700 kgs.
Milk Fat Percentage
The Toda buffalo’s milk is rich in fat. The fat percentage of lactation milk is around 8.2%.
Number Of Days Of Milking
It yields milk about 305 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of nine months.
Lactation Length
Around 250 days.
Calving Interval
About 480 days.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 47 months.
Place Of Origin
It is found in the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu.
Advantage Of Owning The Toda Buffalo
The Toda Buffalo is highly valued by the Toda tribes for its dairy products and significance in their social and religious ceremonies, as it is regarded as a sacred animal.
Price
NA
5. Mehsana
Mehsana
The Mehsana buffalo is a breed that has evolved by crossing the Surti and Murrah breeds. This makes it on the top native Indian buffalo breeds list due to its exceptional milk production efficiency, ability to withstand diseases, and resilience to survive under inadequate feeding conditions. Further details about this breed can be found below.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
This native Indian buffalo breed is called Mehsani or Mahesani.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Mehsana buffalo is a docile animal that has a deep but low-set body that is of medium size. The limbs are light, and the body is long with a head that is heavy. The horns are sickle-shaped, less curved compared to those of Murrah, and can be irregularly shaped. They are usually grey to black in colour and have white markings on their tail tips, faces, and legs. The eyes are bright, black, and prominent, and they bulge out of the sockets. The Mehsana buffaloes are good milking animals and have well-developed and well-set udders.
Average Life Span
The Mehsana buffalo has an average life expectancy of 11 to 12 years.
Average Body Weight
An average Mehsana male buffalo weighs around 750 kg, and a female weighs around 650 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
About 15 to 20 litres of milk can be expected from the Mehsana buffalo every day.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 1700 kgs.
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk is around 6.83 %.
Number Of Days Of Milking
The Mehsana buffalo yields milk about 305 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of nine months.
Lactation Length
Around 310 days.
Calving Interval
About 476 days.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 42 months.
Place Of Origin
The breeding tract is in the districts of Sabarkantha, Mehsana, and Banaskantha.
Advantages Of Owning The Mehsana Buffalo
One of the benefits of owning a Mehsana buffalo is its high milk production efficiency and strong persistence.
Price
A Mehsana buffalo can cost Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,30,000, depending on age, pregnancy status, and lactation status.
6. Bhadawari
Bhadawari
The Bhadawari buffalo is considered to be one of the good buffalo breeds in India and extremely popular in Uttar Pradesh. They are found in the Chambal and Yamuna River ravines. Bhadwari buffaloes are highly adaptive to harsh conditions and can survive drought, undulating topography, or thorny bushes. They are medium-sized animals and can be reared even by marginal farmers. Refer below for more information about them.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
This native Indian buffalo breed is also called Etawah.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Bhadwari is a river buffalo that is of medium size and has a wedge-shaped body. It has greyish-black and copper-coloured skin. The forehead is small, and there are white lines on the underside of the neck, which is a speciality of this breed. The tail is long and thick, and the legs are stout and short. The horns are curled upward and are parallel to the neck.
Average Life Span
15 to 18 years is the typical life expectancy of the Bhadwari buffalo.
Average Body Weight
An average male weighs around 470 kgs, and a female around 425 kgs.
Milk Yield Per Day
About 2.76 kgs of milk
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 1100 kg.
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk can go as high as 14%.
Number Of Days Of Milking
It yields milk about 305 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of nine months.
Lactation Length
Around 270 days.
Calving Interval
About 478 days.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 50 months
Place Of Origin
The breeding tract is found in the districts of Etha and Agra. It was part of the Bhadawar estate, hence the name.
Advantage Of Owning The Bhadwari Buffalo
Owning a Bhadwari Buffalo offers numerous advantages. Firstly, their milk is characterised by a sweet flavour and high-fat content, making it highly suitable for producing butter and ghee. Additionally, male buffaloes are ideal for ploughing marshy fields due to their strength and endurance. Furthermore, the breed boasts a low calf mortality rate in comparison to other breeds, ensuring that they are easy to rear. Lastly, Bhadwari buffaloes are renowned for being tough animals that require minimal care, making them a cost-effective choice for farmers.
Price
The cost of a Bhadwari buffalo starts at Rs 30,000.
7. Banni
Banni
The Banni buffaloes are a breed found in Kutch, Gujarat. This breed is preserved and bred by local Maldharis. The buffalo has a genetic makeup that is different from that of the other breeds, and that makes it one of the most indigenous buffalo breeds in India. The following are the characteristics of this breed.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
This native Indian buffalo breed is also called Kundi and Kutchi.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Banni buffaloes are medium to large-sized and are covered with hair. The body colour is a mix of copper and black, and the eyelids are brown or black. They have a head that is wide, and there is a slight depression. The face is elongated, and the neck is thin and has no skin folds. The horns are inverted and vertical, with a single coil. They have well-developed udders that are round-shaped with conical teats and pointed tips.
Average Life Span
The Banni buffalo can live up to 18 years.
Average Body Weight
An average male Banni buffalo weighs around 525 to 560 kg, while a female weighs around 475 to 575 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
The Banni buffalo can produce about 12 to 18 litres of milk daily.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 2857 kg.
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk can go as high as 6.65 %.
Number Of Days Of Milking
It yields milk about 305 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of nine months.
Lactation Length
Around 300 days.
Calving Interval
About 12 months.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 40 months.
Place Of Origin
The place of origin includes the Banni area in Kutch, Gujarat.
Advantages Of Owning The Banni Buffalo
The Banni buffalo has great disease resistance and can survive long periods of drought. They are trained to graze the grasslands at night and milk during the morning to avoid the heat. They provide a high milk yield and are thus a main source of income for the Maldharis.
Price
The cost of a Banni buffalo starts at Rs 45,000, and the cost of purebred buffaloes can go up to Rs 1,60,000.
8. Nili-Ravi
Nili-Ravi
The Nili-Ravi buffalo is a breed that is derived from crossing two breeds, Ravi and Nili. But over time, and due to too much crossbreeding, they have now become a registered buffalo breed in India called Nili-Ravi. The Nili-Ravi buffalo is found mostly in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Like the Murrah buffalo breed, this is also reared mostly for dairy purposes. Below are the characteristics of this breed.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
The Nili-Ravi buffalo is believed to be named after the blue waters of the Sutlej River, from which the term “Nili” originated. This native Indian buffalo breed is also known as Panch-Kalyani.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Nili-Ravi buffalo breed has a deep frame that is medium to large. They are black in colour, and there are white spots on the feet, muzzle, and forehead. They have heavy heads and long tails with white switches. The horns are curled and small and are less curled when compared to Murrah. The udder is capacious and well-shaped with teats that are long.
Average Life Span
The herd has an average lifespan of around 12.5 years.
Average Body Weight
An average male weighs around 700 kg, and a female weighs around 600 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
The Nili-Ravi buffalo can produce about 6.67 kg of milk daily.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 2000 kg.
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk can go as high as 6.8%.
Number Of Days Of Milking
The Nili-Ravi buffalo yields milk for about 306 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of nine months.
Lactation Length
Around 300 days.
Calving Interval
About 487 days.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 45 months.
Place Of Origin
The Ravi and Sutlej river belts are the Nili-Ravi buffaloes’ home tract. They are found in the Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab.
Advantage Of Owning The Nili-Ravi Buffalo
Owning a Nili-Ravi buffalo can offer several advantages, particularly in terms of milk production and temperament. Nili-Ravi buffaloes are known for their exceptional milk production capabilities. This native Indian buffalo breed is known for its docile temperament. They are generally calm and easy to handle, which makes them suitable for small-scale dairy farmers who may not have a lot of experience working with large animals.
Price
The cost of a male Nili-Ravi starts at Rs 60,000.
9. Pandharpuri
Pandharpuri
The Panharpuri buffalo is a breed that is found in Maharashtra and is identified by its twisted, long, and sword-shaped horn. These are said to have been reared for 150 years or more by the Gawli community. These are water buffaloes that are highly adaptable to water scarcity and are known for their high milk yield, making them a top-rated Indian buffalo breed.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
The other name for this native Indian buffalo breed is Dharwari.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
These buffaloes are black-coloured and medium-sized. They have white markings on their foreheads, and some of the animals have them on their tails and legs. They have horns that extend beyond the shoulders and are extremely long. The nasal bone is prominent, long, and straight. The udders of the females are compact and have cylindrical teats.
Average Life Span
NA
Average Body Weight
The average weight of this native Indian buffalo breed is around 450 to 470 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
The Pandharpur buffalo can produce up to 16 litres of milk daily.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 1400 kg.
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk can go as high as 8%.
Number Of Days Of Milking
The Pandharpur buffalo yields milk for about 306 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of nine months.
Lactation Length
Around 350 days.
Calving Interval
About 465 days.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 44.8 months.
Place Of Origin
The Pandharpur buffaloes are mainly found in Pandharpur, Solapur, Sangola, Akkalkot, Barshi, and in Sangli and Kolhapur districts.
Advantage Of Owning The Pandharpur Buffalo
The Pandharpur buffaloes are hardworking and strong, so they are used for trotting work. They have a high reproduction capacity and can produce a calf almost every year. They have the capacity to produce milk multiple times a day, which enables their owners to deliver fresh milk to numerous customers’ homes.
Price
The price is between Rs 15,000 and Rs 45,000.
10. Nagpuri
Nagpuri
The Nagpuri buffalo is an indigenous water buffalo and one of the best native Indian buffalo breeds. It is popular as it can bear the adverse climate of Vidharbha and also produce an ample amount of milk. It is a versatile river-type buffalo and one of the best buffalo breeds in India for milk in this region. Read more info about his breed below.
This Native Indian Buffalo Breed Is Also Known As
This native Indian buffalo breed is called by various names like Shahi, Chanda, Puranthadi, Berari, Ellichpuri, Varhasi, Arvi, Gaolavi, etc.
Physical Traits Of This Native Indian Buffalo Breed
The Nagpuri buffalo is a medium-sized bovine that has a deep back. It is black in colour and has white patches on its legs, tail tips, and face. The forehead is conical and long. The tail is short and has a white switch. The horns are curved, flat, and long and bends backward on either side of the neck up to the shoulders. The horn tips are pointed upwards.
Average Life Span
NA
Average Body Weight
The average weight of a male buffalo is 525 kg, and that of a female buffalo is about 425 kg.
Milk Yield Per Day
It can produce up to 16 litres of milk daily.
Milk Yield During Lactation
The lactation yield is about 1200 kg.
Milk Fat Percentage
The fat percentage of lactation milk can go as high as 8.25%.
Number Of Days Of Milking
The Nagpuri buffalo yields milk for about 306 days a year.
Gestation Period
An average of ten months.
Lactation Length
Around 270 days.
Calving Interval
About 430 days.
Age At First Calving
The first calving can happen at the age of 55.8 months.
Place Of Origin
The breeding tract includes Nagpur district, along with Akola, Yavatmal, Amravati, and Wardha districts.
Advantage Of Owning The Nagpuri Buffalo
These are well-adapted to harsh local climates, and farmers prefer them because they are low maintenance and produce moderate milk quantities.
Price
The typical cost of the Nagpuri buffalo is about Rs 50,000.
Conclusion
India is blessed with a huge indigenous bovine population. Out of the extensive variety of buffalo breeds in India, approximately 17 have been thoroughly classified. The top 10 buffalo breeds discussed in this article have exhibited remarkable resilience and adaptation to endure challenging environments, diseases, and subpar feed quality. Sadly, the population of several of these breeds has dwindled over time. Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope as various organisations are actively working towards halting their decline. Let us contribute to the cause by advocating for these ten exceptional buffalo breeds, which are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.
While you’re here, check out our Top 10 Best Native Indian Pig Breeds article, which lists some of the most popular breeds of Indian pigs that are reared today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Native Indian Buffalo Breeds
1. Which buffalo is best in India?
The Murrah buffalo is considered to be one of the best buffalo breeds as it offers a high milk yield.
2. Which buffalo gives the maximum milk?
The Murrah buffalo gives maximum milk. This breed of buffalo can produce anywhere between 10 to 16 litres of milk per day.
3. Which buffalo is good for dry regions?
The Pandharpuri is one of the best buffaloes that yield good milk and adapt well to dry regions.
4. Which are India’s most popular buffaloes?
Some of the popular Indian buffalo breeds are Jaffrabadi, Murrah, Nagpuri, Nilli-Ravi, Bhadwari and Mehsana.
5. Which is the heaviest Indian buffalo?
The Jaffrabadi buffaloes are one of the heaviest buffalo breeds that are native to India.