Jaffarabadi Buffalo: The Heavyweight Milk Champion of India
Jaffarabadi Buffalo: The Heavyweight Milk Champion of India Jaffarabadi buffalo is one of India’s most powerful and high-performing dairy breeds. Known for its massive body, strong immunity, and excellent milk production, this breed originated from Gujarat and is now popular across India and several foreign countries.Due to its size and performance, Jaffarabadi buffalo is often called the “Powerhouse of Indian Dairy Farming.” This guide covers everything you need to know — origin, identification, milk yield, diet plan, shed design, price, diseases, and business profitability. Introduction to Jaffarabadi Buffalo Jaffarabadi is one of the largest buffalo breeds in the world, famous for: Strong and muscular body Thick, high-fat milk Ability to survive tough climates High milk yield and long lactation This buffalo is excellent for farmers who want strong, hardy animals with good commercial value. Origin & History The Jaffarabadi breed originated in Gujarat, mainly in: Junagadh Bhavnagar Amreli Gir forest region The name comes from the town Jaffarabad in Gujarat, where the breed was first recognized. The breed was developed by local farmers and improved through selective breeding. Today, Jaffarabadi buffalo is popular in: Gujarat Maharashtra Rajasthan Andhra Pradesh UAE & Brazil (exported genetics) Physical Characteristics (How to Identify a True Jaffarabadi Buffalo) Jaffarabadi buffalo is easy to identify due to its massive build and unique horn structure. Body Size Extremely large and heavy Deep, wide chest and huge frame Body Color Mostly jet black Smooth and slightly glossy skin Horns Thick, heavy, and drooping downward Curve sideways and backward (hallmark feature) Head & Face Big, broad face Prominent forehead Strong jaw and thick neck Udder Quality Large, bowl-shaped udder Strong milk veins Legs & Hooves Strong legs to support heavy body Large hooves with good grip Jaffarabadi buffalo are known for power, stamina, and beautiful heavy structure. Milk Production Capacity of Jaffarabadi Buffalo Jaffarabadi buffalo gives excellent milk production with high fat content. Daily Milk Yield 8–14 liters/day (average)14–20 liters/day (premium bloodlines) ✔ Annual Milk Production 2,500 – 4,500 liters per lactation ✔ Milk Fat Percentage 8% – 12%, one of the highest among Indian breeds ✔ Lactation Length 280–320 days The higher fat content makes the milk ideal for: Ghee Mawa Paneer Sweets Thus, the Jaffarabadi milk always gets premium rates. Price of Jaffarabadi Buffalo in India Price depends on age, milk yield, pregnancy status, and region. Price Range (India) Category Price (₹) Heifer (Non-lactating) ₹65,000 – ₹1,20,000 Pregnant Heifer ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,00,000 Average Milking ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,80,000 High-Yield (12–15 L) ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,80,000 Premium Heavy Bloodline ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000+ Gujarat cattle fairs (especially Junagadh and Amreli) are the best places to buy pure Jaffarabadi buffalo. Feeding Management (Daily Diet Plan) Jaffarabadi buffalo grows large and needs a balanced diet to stay productive. Green Fodder (25–30 kg/day) Hybrid Napier Sorghum Sugarcane tops Berseem Dry Fodder (5–7 kg/day) Wheat straw Groundnut straw Paddy straw Concentrates (4–7 kg/day) Cottonseed cake Maize Bran Protein-rich mixes Mineral Mixture & Salt 50–70 g/day Salt bricks mandatory Water Requirement 60–80 liters/day Provide clean water all day long A proper feeding plan increases milk yield and improves body condition. Breeding & Reproduction Jaffarabadi buffalo shows good fertility when fed and managed properly. Heat Signs Vocalization Mucus discharge Restlessness Mounting behavior Ideal Breeding Age 2.5 to 3 years Calving Interval 400–450 days Breeding Methods Artificial Insemination (AI) Natural service with proven Jaffarabadi bulls Strong calves and long-lactation lines make this breed excellent for genetic improvement. Housing & Shed Management Because Jaffarabadi is a large breed, the shed must be spacious. Space Requirement 50–60 sq. ft indoor 100–120 sq. ft outdoor paddock Shed Features East–west direction Non-slippery flooring Proper drainage Strong partitions Ventilation and natural light Hygiene Practices Twice-daily cleaning Udder washing before milking Regular disinfection Fly and tick control Proper housing ensures high milk production and reduces disease risk. Common Diseases & Prevention Jaffarabadi buffalo is hardy but still needs preventive measures. Major Diseases: Mastitis HS (Hemorrhagic Septicemia) FMD Parasite infections Bloat Foot rot Vaccination Schedule: FMD – Twice a year HS – Once a year Black Quarter – Once a year Deworming – Every 3 months Good hygiene and feeding practices reduce health issues significantly. How to Increase Milk Production of Jaffarabadi Buffalo Balanced Diet Green fodder + dry fodder + protein-rich concentrate. Regular Milking Schedule Same time daily to avoid stress. Ample Water Buffalo must never remain thirsty. Good Mineral Mix Essential for milk and immunity. Heat Detection & Timely Breeding Reduces calving gap and increases yearly milk output. Comfort & Clean Shed Stress-free buffalo produces more milk. Jaffarabadi vs Other Indian Buffalo Breeds Feature Jaffarabadi Murrah Nili-Ravi Milk/day 8–14 L 10–18 L 12–20 L Fat % 8–12% 7–9.5% 6.5–8% Body size Very large Medium Medium Climate tolerance High High Moderate Price High High High Jaffarabadi is the largest and most powerful buffalo among all Indian breeds. Dairy Farm Profitability (Jaffarabadi Buffalo) Expenses: Feed: ₹280–350/day Others: medicines, labour, water, electricity Income: Milk: 10–12 liters/dayMilk Price: ₹70–90/liter (high fat) Daily Income: ₹700–₹1,000Daily Profit: ₹250–₹450Monthly Profit (1 buffalo): ₹7,000–₹13,00010-buffalo farm profit: ₹75,000–₹1,30,000/month Excellent for farmers seeking long-term dairy business. Pregnancy & Calving Care During Pregnancy: High-quality dry fodder Extra minerals Regular walking Deworming before calving After Calving: Warm water for 2–3 days Light feed initially Gradually increase energy-rich feed Regular milking to stimulate milk flow Proper care ensures healthy calves and higher milk production. Best Places to Buy Jaffarabadi Buffalo Top markets in India: Junagadh, Gujarat Amreli, Gujarat Bhavnagar, Gujarat Rajkot cattle markets Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli) Buy only from genuine breeders with milk test records. Myths & Facts About Jaffarabadi Buffalo ❌ Myth: Jaffarabadi buffalo is difficult to manage.✔ Fact: It is hardy and adapts well with proper feeding. ❌ Myth: This breed gives less milk.✔ Fact: It gives high-fat milk that sells at premium rates. ❌ Myth: Only Gujarat has pure Jaffarabadi.✔ Fact: Pure lines are available in many Indian states now. FAQs What is the average milk production of Jaffarabadi buffalo? 8–14 liters/day normally; premium bloodlines give 15–20 L/day. What is the
