Murrah Buffalo: The Black Gold of India

Murrah Buffalo: The Black Gold of India

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Historical documents show that the breed was selectively developed by Haryanvi farmers many decades ago to meet the high dairy demand.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–₹900Daily Profit → ₹250–₹450Monthly Profit (one buffalo) → ₹7,000–₹12,00010-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