Murrah Buffalo – A Majestic Bovine of India

   The Murrah buffalo is a majestic and important bovine breed from India. It is known for its high milk production, hardy nature, and excellent meat quality. This breed is popular among farmers due to its numerous advantages over other breeds. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Murrah buffalo, including its scientific name, history, physical description, habitat, social structure, behavior, diet, and relationship with humans.

Scientific Name and Classification:

  The scientific name of the Murrah buffalo is Bubalus bubalis. It belongs to the family Bovidae and the subfamily Bovinae. The Murrah buffalo is a domesticated breed and is commonly found in India.

Type:

  The Murrah buffalo is a domesticated water buffalo breed. It is one of the best milk-producing breeds in the world, known for its high-fat content milk.

History:

  The Murrah buffalo breed originated in the state of Haryana, India, in the early 20th century. The breed was developed by the farmers of the Murrah region, which is now part of Haryana. The farmers wanted a breed that could produce high-quality milk and was resistant to diseases prevalent in the region. The Murrah buffalo was the result of selective breeding of local water buffalo breeds.

Evolution and Origins:

  The Murrah buffalo is a domesticated breed and has been selectively bred by humans for milk production and hardiness. Its wild ancestor is the water buffalo, which is native to Southeast Asia. Water buffaloes were domesticated in India more than 5,000 years ago, and the domesticated breed has been selectively bred for various traits over the centuries.

Physical Description:

  The Murrah buffalo is a large and muscular breed. It has a massive head, with short and curved horns. The breed has a broad and deep chest, with strong legs and hooves. The coat color of the Murrah buffalo is usually black or dark brown, with a white patch on the forehead. The breed has a long and broad neck and has a hump on its back, which is more prominent in males.

Social Structure:

  The Murrah buffalo is a herd animal and lives in groups. The herd is usually led by a dominant female, and the males tend to be solitary, joining the herd only during mating season. The herd is formed of cows, calves, and sub-adults, with bulls roaming separately.

Anatomy and Appearance:

  The Murrah buffalo is a robust breed, with a broad and muscular body. It has a large head and short, curved horns. The breed has a prominent hump on its back, which is more prominent in males. The coat color of the Murrah buffalo is usually black or dark brown, with a white patch on the forehead. The breed has a long and broad neck, with a deep and broad chest.

Distribution and Habitat:

  The Murrah buffalo is a breed that is native to India, primarily found in the northern and central parts of the country. It is commonly raised in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The breed prefers a tropical and sub-tropical climate, and its habitat includes grasslands and marshy areas.

Population – How Many Are Left?

  The Murrah buffalo is a popular breed in India, and its population is estimated to be around 15 million. The breed is not endangered and is considered to be one of the most important domesticated animal breeds in India.

Size:

  The Murrah buffalo is a large breed of buffalo, with males being larger than females. The breed stands at around 1.5 to 1.8 meters tall at the shoulder, with a body length of around 2.5 to 3 meters. The breed has a broad chest and a large head, with curved horns in both males and females. Overall, the Murrah buffalo has a robust and muscular build, well-suited to its role as a work animal and milk producer.

Weight:

  The weight of the Murrah buffalo ranges from 600 to 1000 kg, with males being heavier than females. The weight of the breed is dependent on various factors, such as age, sex, nutrition, and genetic makeup.

Behavior and Lifestyle:

  The Murrah buffalo is a hardy breed, well-suited to the tropical and sub-tropical climate of India. It is a herbivore and grazes on grass, leaves, and other vegetation. The breed is also known for its docile and calm nature, making it easy to handle and manage.

Reproduction:

  The breeding season of the Murrah buffalo is from September to January, with the peak season being from October to November. The gestation period of the breed is around 10 to 11 months, and the cows give birth to a single calf. The cows can produce milk for up to 300 days a year, with a daily milk production of around 7 to 8 liters.

Babies:

  The calves of the Murrah buffalo are born weighing around 25 to 30 kg. They are weaned off milk at around 6 to 8 months of age and are sexually mature at around 2 to 3 years of age.

Lifespan:

  The Murrah buffalo has a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years. The lifespan of the breed is dependent on various factors such as nutrition, healthcare, and environmental conditions.

Diet and Prey:

  The Murrah buffalo is a herbivore and feeds on grass, leaves, and other vegetation. The breed requires a high protein and energy diet to maintain its milk production and body condition. Farmers usually supplement the diet of the breed with concentrates such as soybean meal, maize, and wheat bran.

Predators and Threats:

  The Murrah buffalo is a domesticated breed and is not preyed upon by wild animals. However, the breed is susceptible to various diseases such as foot and mouth disease, anthrax, and mastitis. The breed is also affected by climate change, as it requires a specific temperature range and humidity levels to thrive.

Relationship with Humans:

  The Murrah buffalo is an essential breed for farmers in India, as it provides milk and meat. The breed is also used for plowing and transportation in some regions of the country. The breed is considered a sacred animal in some cultures and is worshipped during festivals.

Incredible Facts:

• The Murrah buffalo is known for its high milk production, with some cows producing up to 18 liters of milk per day.
• The breed is resistant to various diseases prevalent in the region, making it an ideal choice for farmers.
• The Murrah buffalo is considered one of the best buffalo breeds in the world for milk production.

Fun Facts:

• The Murrah buffalo was named after the Murrah region of Haryana, India, where the breed was first developed.
• The breed is highly prized in India, with some cows fetching prices of up to $10,000.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: What is the lifespan of the Murrah buffalo?

A: The Murrah buffalo has a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years.

Q: What is the weight of the Murrah buffalo?

A: The weight of the Murrah buffalo ranges from 600 to 1000 kg.

Q: What is the primary use of the Murrah buffalo?

A: The Murrah buffalo is primarily used for milk production and meat.

Conclusion :

  In conclusion, the Murrah buffalo is a remarkable breed of buffalo from India, known for its high milk production, hardy nature, and excellent meat quality. The breed has a long and rich history, having been selectively bred by farmers in India for various traits. The Murrah buffalo is an essential breed for farmers in India, providing milk and meat, and serving as a work animal in some regions of the country. With its calm temperament and resistance to diseases, the Murrah buffalo is an ideal choice for farmers. Despite its importance, the breed is under threat from various factors such as climate change and disease, highlighting the need for conservation efforts. Overall, the Murrah buffalo is a fascinating and integral part of Indian agriculture and culture, and its conservation and continued breeding are vital for the future of the country's livestock industry.