Description
The Murrah Buffalo is a renowned breed of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) known for its high milk yield, robust build, and adaptability, originating from Haryana and Punjab in India.
Key Features
Color and Appearance: The Murrah is jet black in color, occasionally with white markings on the face or legs. It has a solid, wedge-shaped body with a relatively small head and a long, broad face.
Horns: This breed’s horns are short, tightly curved, and spiral inward—distinctive compared to other buffalo breeds.
Eyes, Skin, and Tail: Eyes should be active and not “walled” (no whiteness of cornea). The skin is smooth and soft with scanty hair, and the tail is long, reaching the fetlock, ending in a black or sometimes white switch.
Udder: Murrah buffaloes have a well-developed and drooping udder with evenly spaced teats, which aids in efficient milking.
Body Size: Adult bulls weigh around 550 kg and cows about 450 kg. The body is massive, limbs are short but strong.
Production: Murrah buffaloes have the highest average milk production among Indian breeds, with yields from 2,200 to 2,600 kg per lactation, and recorded instances even higher.
Geographical Spread: Though native to Haryana and Punjab, Murrah buffaloes are now used throughout India and internationally to improve dairy buffalo productivity.
Importance
Murrah buffalo are highly prized for their high butterfat content and adaptability to various climates.
They are favored by dairy farmers for both genetic improvement of other breeds and commercial milk production.
The Murrah stands out as the premier buffalo breed for milk in India and is widely exported due to its desirable traits