Best Buffalo Breed For Dairy

Introduction

India is home to some of the world’s best buffalo breeds, known for their strength, adaptability, and rich milk production. With over 26 recognized buffalo breeds across the country, each region has developed its own unique variety suited to its climate and needs.

But when it comes to dairy farming, not all breeds perform equally. Some produce more milk, others have higher fat content, and a few are better suited for certain environments.
In this article, we’ll explore the 12 most popular buffalo breeds in India, their characteristics, milk yield, fat content, and which ones are best for dairy farming.

Murrah Buffalo

Region: Haryana
Known as the “Black Gold” of India, the Murrah is considered one of the best buffalo breeds in the world.

• Milk yield: 6–7 liters per milking (up to 15 liters for top-quality ones)

• Fat content: Around 7%

• Identification:

  • Short, tightly curved horns

  • Broad, triangular-shaped body

  • Shiny black skin and slender neck
    Why it’s special: Murrah is the most popular and profitable breed for dairy farming due to its high milk production and adaptability.

Jafarabadi Buffalo

Region: Gujarat
The Jafarabadi is one of the largest and heaviest buffalo breeds in India, known for its strong build and high-fat milk.

• Milk yield: 6–12 liters per milking

• Fat content: 8–10%

• Identification:

  • Downward-curved horns that turn upward at the tips

  • Massive head and thick horns

  • Large udder and long teats
    Why it’s special: Ideal for commercial dairy farming and ghee production due to its high-fat milk.

Nili Ravi Buffalo

Region: Punjab
Often called “Panch Kalyani” because it has white markings on its four legs and forehead.

• Milk yield: 6–8 liters per milking

• Fat content: Around 7%

• Identification:

  • White face, legs, and eyes

  • Curved horns and body shape similar to Murrah
    Why it’s special: Performs well in cooler climates and produces rich, creamy milk.

Banni Buffalo

Region: Kutch, Gujarat
A hardy breed known for surviving in arid and hot regions with minimal resources.

• Milk yield: 7–12 liters per milking

• Fat content: Around 8%

• Identification:

  • Short, tightly curved horns

  • Strong, muscular body

  • Slightly aggressive temperament
    Why it’s special: Excellent milk producer even in harsh conditions.

Mehsana Buffalo

Region: Mehsana, Gujarat
A cross between the Murrah and Surti breeds, this medium-sized buffalo is highly productive.

• Milk yield: 5–6 liters per milking

• Identification:

  • Medium body size

  • Curved horns
    Why it’s special: Very popular in Gujarat’s dairy sector for its consistent milk output.

Surti Buffalo

Region: Vadodara and nearby areas, Gujarat

• Milk yield: 5–7 liters per milking

• Identification:

  • Brownish body color

  • Horns bent backward toward the neck

  • Medium-sized body
    Why it’s special: Calm nature and steady milk production make it ideal for small dairy farmers.

Bhadawari Buffalo

Region: Uttar Pradesh (Etawah) and Madhya Pradesh

• Milk yield: 4–5 liters per milking

• Fat content: Very high, ideal for ghee and butter

• Identification:

  • Light brown body

  • Horns bend backward
    Why it’s special: Native breed that produces thick, high-fat milk even with limited feed.

Chilika Buffalo

Region: Odisha (Cuttack and Ganjam districts)

• Milk yield: 3–5 liters per milking

• Identification:

  • Thin, backward-curved horns

  • Small, lean body
    Why it’s special: Produces milk with a high fat percentage despite low yield.

Kalahandi Buffalo

Region: Odisha

• Milk yield: 3–5 liters per milking

• Identification:

  • Small body, thin structure

  • Short horns pointing backward
    Why it’s special: Survives easily in grazing-based rural environments.

Nagpuri Buffalo

Region: Maharashtra (Nagpur region)

• Milk yield: 3–6 liters per milking

• Identification:

  • Long, semicircular horns

  • Strong and tall body
    Why it’s special: Well-suited for hot and dry climates.

Toda Buffalo

Region: Tamil Nadu

• Milk yield: 3–5 liters per milking

• Identification:

  • Round, large horns

  • Deep black body color
    Why it’s special: Produces high-fat milk, commonly found in southern India.

Pandharpuri Buffalo

Region: Maharashtra

• Milk yield: 3–4 liters per milking

• Identification:

  • Very long, spiral horns

  • Medium body size
    Why it’s special: Hardy and low-maintenance breed, ideal for small-scale farmers.

Best Buffalo Breeds for Dairy Farming

When it comes to milk yield and fat content, Murrah and Jafarabadi stand out as the best breeds for dairy farming.

• Murrah Buffalo: Perfect for northern regions with moderate climates.

• Jafarabadi Buffalo: Ideal for warmer areas like Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Choose the breed that best fits your local climate, feed availability, and management capacity.

Important Tip for Dairy Farmers

If you bring buffaloes from another region, their milk yield may drop initially. This happens because of stress and environmental changes.
To prevent this:

• Try to replicate the original feeding and living conditions.

• Treat the animal with care and patience rather than like a machine.

A buffalo’s comfort and emotional well-being play a major role in its milk production.

Conclusion

Every buffalo breed in India has its own strengths, but Murrah and Jafarabadi are the most profitable choices for dairy farming. With proper care, balanced nutrition, and a suitable environment, any breed can perform remarkably well.