The domestic water buffalo, known scientifically as Bubalus bubalis, is a large bovine species with significant global agricultural importance. These animals play a prominent role in various farming systems, particularly across Asia, for their diverse contributions. Water buffalo are distinct from other bovine species like the African Cape buffalo or American bison, despite sharing the “buffalo” name. This species has been domesticated for thousands of years, serving as a versatile resource for humans worldwide.
The Swamp Buffalo
The swamp buffalo, prevalent across Southeast Asia, is characterized by its stocky and heavy build, often appearing shorter with a broad belly. Its most distinctive features are its long, C-shaped horns that sweep backward and outward, generally remaining on the same plane as the forehead. These animals typically have a grey hide, which can sometimes appear as a dark grey or slate blue, and some individuals may exhibit white markings on their lower jaw or brisket.
This type of water buffalo is primarily utilized as a draft animal, excelling in demanding agricultural tasks such as plowing rice paddies in muddy, flooded fields. While they can produce milk, their yield is considerably lower compared to their river counterparts. Swamp buffalo prefer to wallow in muddy areas and marshes, often creating these mudholes with their horns, which helps them regulate body temperature and protect against insects. A key genetic identifier for the swamp buffalo is its chromosome count of 24 pairs, totaling 48 chromosomes.
The River Buffalo
In contrast to the swamp buffalo, the river buffalo has a larger body size and a black or dark slate-colored hide. Their horns are notably different, being shorter and tightly curled, often spiraling upward and backward from their base. This type of buffalo is valued as a dairy animal, producing milk with a very high butterfat content, often around 7.92%, making it ideal for products like mozzarella cheese, yogurt, and ghee.
River buffalo prefer cleaner, deeper bodies of water such as rivers for wallowing, which aids in their thermoregulation. Their genetic makeup includes 25 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 50 chromosomes, a distinct difference from the swamp buffalo. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, the river buffalo has since spread extensively to various regions, including Europe and the Americas, where its dairy capabilities are widely appreciated.
Notable Breeds Around the World
Murrah
Among the river buffalo, the Murrah breed is a highly productive dairy buffalo, originating from the Haryana and Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. These animals are jet black with short, tightly curved horns. Females can produce an average of 1,500 to 2,500 kilograms of milk per lactation, with some individuals yielding as much as 31.5 kilograms daily. The Murrah’s superior milk production has led to its introduction and use in breeding programs across various countries, including Italy, Bulgaria, and Egypt.
Nili-Ravi
The Nili-Ravi is another river buffalo breed from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, prized for its dairy qualities. These buffalo have a massive, wedge-shaped body, black in color, and are characterized by small, curly horns and “wall eyes,” which are eyes with a whitish iris. They display white markings on their forehead, face, muzzle, and lower legs, a pattern affectionately known as “Panj Kalyan.” Nili-Ravi buffalo produce between 1,800 and 2,500 liters of milk per lactation.
Mediterranean Italian Buffalo
In Europe, the Mediterranean Italian buffalo, a river buffalo breed, is recognized for its contribution to specialized dairy products. Found primarily in Italy, especially Campania, this breed is the source of authentic mozzarella di bufala, which holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, along with other products like burrata and ricotta. These buffalo are black or dark slate-grey with black hooves and can produce an average of 1,600 to 1,800 kilograms of milk per lactation, with some reaching 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms.
Carabao
The Carabao is a well-known swamp buffalo breed deeply ingrained in the culture and agriculture of the Philippines. These buffalo are characterized by their light to slate-grey coloration, low, wide, and heavy build, and distinctive sickle-shaped or backward-curving horns. Carabaos are primarily used as draft animals for cultivating rice paddies and transporting goods, symbolizing hard work and perseverance for Filipino farmers. While they also provide meat and milk, their main role has historically been in farming, making them an enduring presence in the rural landscape.