Murrah Buffalo: The Black Gold of India
Murrah buffalo is one of India’s most valuable dairy breeds, known for its high milk yield, excellent disease resistance, and adaptability to different climates. This breed has earned the title “Black Gold” because it produces rich, high-fat milk and generates significant profit for dairy farmers.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Murrah buffalo—origin, identification, feeding, breeding, milk production, housing, diseases, and business profitability.
Introduction to Murrah Buffalo
The Murrah buffalo is the most popular dairy buffalo breed in India and is globally recognized for its superior milk production. Most modern dairy farms prefer Murrah buffalo because they provide:
Higher milk yield
Thick, high-fat milk
Strong immunity
Easy adaptation to hot and cold climates
Countries like Nepal, Brazil, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Egypt also import Murrah bloodlines to improve their dairy herds.
Origin & History
Murrah buffalo originally belongs to the Rohtak, Hisar, Jind, and Jhajjar districts of Haryana.
Historical documents show that the breed was selectively developed by Haryanvi farmers many decades ago to meet the high dairy demand.
Over time, Murrah buffalo became the world’s most productive dairy buffalo breed and earned global recognition by improving milk lines in multiple countries.
Physical Characteristics (How to Identify a True Murrah Buffalo)
Identifying a pure Murrah buffalo is extremely important because the market is full of cross-breeds. Here are the key identification features:
Body Color
Jet black and shiny
Some may have white markings on the tail or legs
Eyes
Bright, black, active, and alert
Horns
Long and tightly curved in a spiraled form
Looks like a neatly curled ring
Head & Face
Short, broad face
Small mouth, strong jaw
Neck is short and thick
Tail
Long tail with a thick, white switch at the end
Udder Quality
Bowl-shaped, soft, and well-developed
Veins clearly visible
Body Shape
Compact, heavy, and well-built
Strong legs suitable for long lactation
A pure Murrah buffalo is known for its beauty, symmetry, and strength.
Milk Production Capacity of Murrah Buffalo
Murrah buffaloes are famous for their outstanding production.
Daily Milk Yield
10–18 liters/day (average farmers)
18–30 liters/day (high-yield bloodlines)
Annual Milk Production
2,500 – 4,000 liters per lactation
Milk Fat Percentage
7% – 9.5%, sometimes even higher
Lactation Period
280–300 days
Because of its high fat content, Murrah milk brings better market rates and more profit than cow milk.
Murrah Buffalo Price in India
The price of Murrah buffalo varies based on age, milk yield, bloodline, and market location.
Murrah Buffalo Price Range
| Category | Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Heifer (Non-lactating) | ₹55,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Pregnant Heifer | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Average Milking Murrah | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| High-Yield Murrah (12–16 L) | ₹1,60,000 – ₹2,20,000 |
| Premium Bloodline (18+ L) | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000+ |
Haryana markets like Loharu, Hisar, Rohtak, and Jind are known for premium Murrah buffalo.
Feeding Management (Daily Diet Plan)
Proper feeding is key to increasing milk production and animal health.
Daily Diet Chart
Green fodder:
Napier
Berseem
Maize
Sorghum
(20–25 kg/day)
Dry fodder:
Wheat straw
Paddy straw
(4–5 kg/day)
Concentrate:
1 kg for body maintenance
1 kg per 2.5 liters of milk
(4–6 kg/day)
Mineral mixture & salt:
50–60 g/day
Provide good mineral mixture + salt bricks
Clean water:
50–70 liters/day minimum
Breeding & Reproduction
Heat Signs
Restlessness
Swelling of vulva
Mucus discharge
Mounting other animals
Loss of appetite
Ideal Breeding Age
2.5 to 3 years
Calving Interval
400–450 days
AI vs Natural Breeding
AI recommended for better genetics
Natural service works well with proven bulls
Murrah buffalo responds well to scientific breeding practices.
Housing & Farm Management
A proper shed ensures high milk yield and prevents diseases.
Shed Requirements
East–west direction
Non-slippery floor
Good ventilation
Clean and dry environment
Space Required
40–50 sq. ft per adult buffalo inside
80–100 sq. ft open paddock area
Bedding
Dry bedding, sand, rubber mats (optional)
Hygiene Routine
Twice-a-day cleaning
Regular udder washing
Fly and parasite control
Common Diseases & Prevention
Murrah buffalo is disease-resistant but still needs a proper health plan.
Major Health Problems
Mastitis
FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease)
HS (Hemorrhagic Septicemia)
Parasites
Bloat
Vaccination Schedule
✔ FMD – every 6 months
✔ HS – yearly
✔ BQ – yearly
✔ Deworming – every 3 months
Maintaining hygiene can significantly reduce disease risks.
How to Increase Milk Production of Murrah Buffalo
Provide balanced feed
Include green fodder + dry fodder + concentrate + minerals.
Follow regular milking timings
Morning & evening at fixed time.
Provide fresh water all day
Dehydration reduces milk immediately.
Give stress-free environment
Avoid loud noise, heat stress, poor housing.
Timely breeding
Reduce calving interval for better yearly milk output.
Post-calving nutrition
High-energy diet increases milk flow.
Murrah vs Other Indian Buffalo Breeds
| Feature | Murrah | Jaffarabadi | Nili-Ravi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk/day | 10–18 L | 8–14 L | 12–20 L |
| Fat % | 7–9.5% | 8–10% | 6.5–8% |
| Size | Medium | Heavy | Medium |
| Calving | Easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Market value | Highest | High | High |
Murrah is preferred for daily dairy farming due to its combination of milk + fat + adaptability.
Murrah Buffalo Dairy Business Profitability
Let’s understand the profit:
Expenses:
Feed expenses: ₹250–300/day
Labour, medicines, electricity, etc.
Income:
10–12 liters/day average
Milk price: ₹60–80/liter
Daily Earning → ₹600–₹900
Daily Profit → ₹250–₹450
Monthly Profit (one buffalo) → ₹7,000–₹12,000
10-buffalo dairy farm profit → ₹70,000–₹1,20,000 per month
This is why Murrah buffalo farming is considered a highly profitable business.
Pregnancy & Calving Care
During Pregnancy:
Increase mineral mixture
Provide soft bedding
Avoid jumping or stress
Deworm before last trimester
After Calving:
Provide warm water
Start with light feed
Provide high-energy diet after 2–3 days
Regular milking to stimulate milk let-down
Good calving care improves milk production and reduces calf mortality.
Best States & Markets to Buy Murrah Buffalo
Top Murrah Buffalo Markets:
Rohtak, Haryana
Hisar, Haryana
Jind, Haryana
Jhajjar, Haryana
Punjab markets
UP cattle markets
These regions have pure bloodlines and trusted sellers.
Popular Myths & Facts About Murrah Buffalo
❌ Myth: Murrah needs expensive feed.
✔ Fact: Proper balanced diet is enough—no costly feed required.
❌ Myth: Only Haryana has pure Murrah.
✔ Fact: Pure Murrah is found in many states today.
❌ Myth: High-yield buffalo fall sick fast.
✔ Fact: Murrah is naturally disease-resistant.
FAQs
What is the average price of a Murrah buffalo in India?
₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 depending on milk yield and breed quality.
How much milk does Murrah buffalo give per day?
10–18 liters per day on average; premium bloodlines give 20+ liters.
What is the fat percentage of Murrah buffalo milk?
7% to 9.5%, sometimes higher in peak lactation.
Which state is best for buying Murrah buffalo?
Haryana (Rohtak, Hisar, Jind, Jhajjar) is known for pure Murrah.
What to feed Murrah buffalo for more milk?
Green fodder + dry fodder + concentrate + mineral mixture.
At what age does Murrah buffalo calve first?
Around 30–36 months depending on breeding and nutrition.
Is Murrah buffalo good for dairy business?
Yes, it is the most profitable buffalo breed in India.
How to identify a pure Murrah buffalo?
Jet black color, tightly curled horns, long tail, bowl-shaped udder.
What is the lifespan of Murrah buffalo?
14–16 years with proper care.
How many months is a Murrah buffalo pregnant?
Training and nutrition during pregnancy improve calving and milk yield.
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