Buffaloes

Buffaloes are the major suppliers of milk to the Indian population. They constitute about 17 per cent of the total livestock of the country, but contribute about 55 per cent of the total milk production. In fact, the dairy industry of India is largely dependent on buffaloes.

As stated earlier, India has more than 56 per cent of the total buffaloes of the world. The better breeds of Indian buffalo are Murrah, Bhadwari, Jaffarabadi, Saurti, Mehsana, Nagpuri, Rohtak, and NiliRavi. Murrah is an indigenous breed of Rohtak, Ilissar and Gurgaon (Haryana). These buffaloes have short horn and massive body. The average lactation yield about 2000 kg. He buffaloes are suitable for draught and hard work. The Bhadawari with light colour is an indigenous breed of Etawah and Agra (UP). It yields about 1600 kgmilk per lactation, (read White Revolution, Chapter 9).

The Indian cattle and buffaloes are weak in health and suffer from many diseases. In order to control livestock diseases “Livestock Health: Disease Control” has been implemented. The scheme was launched to eradicate the diseases of Rinderpest and Bovine Pleuro pneumonia.