Increase Ghee Production By Rearing Bhadawari Buffalo

In many regions of India, animal husbandry is the main source of livelihood. Not only that but due to the daily increasing dairy trade and higher profits, farmers are being attracted to animal husbandry. In various regions, animals and birds such as cows, buffaloes, goats, camels, chickens, ducks, quails, etc., are raised on a large scale. Among these, cows and buffaloes are predominantly raised. The demand for milk obtained from them always remains high. However, livestock owners and farmers can earn higher profits by preparing ghee, cheese, paneer, etc., from cow and buffalo milk. For this, selecting animals that produce more milk is the most important factor.

In our country, about 19 breeds of buffaloes are found. One of these is the Bhadawari buffalo. Compared to the Murrah breed, the milk production capacity of this breed is slightly lower. However, the milk of the Bhadawari breed contains the highest amount of fat. It is worth noting that the Government of India is running a project at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute in Jhansi, for the conservation of this breed. In some buffaloes of this breed, the fat content in the milk has been found to be up to 14 percent. Besides fat, the milk of this breed also contains nutrients such as protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and other nutrients.

How to Identify Bhadawari Buffalo?

• Physical Appearance: The Bhadawari buffalo has a medium-sized body. The front part of their body is slimmer compared to the back. They have strong legs and sparse hair on their bodies.
• Body Color: This breed typically has a dark brown, black, or copper-colored body with wheat-colored lower legs. They also have white stripes above their eyes and on the lower part of their neck.
• Skin: Their skin is loose and thick, and has folds on the neck and body.
• Horns: The horns of Bhadawari buffaloes are curved, point outward, and are sharp.
• Ears: They have long and drooping ears.
• Tail: The tail is thin and long.
• Weight: The average weight of adult Bhadawari buffaloes ranges from 300 to 400 kg.
• Region: This breed of buffalo is predominantly found in the Etawah, Mathura, and Gwalior regions.

Characteristics of Bhadawari Buffalo

• Milk Production: This breed produces about 4 to 6 kg of milk per day.
• Total Milk Yield: During each lactation period, a Bhadawari buffalo can produce approximately 1430 liters of milk. With proper care, the yield can increase up to 1800 liters.
• Lactation Period: The lactation period lasts around 290 days.
• Fat Content: The milk contains a fat content ranging from 6% to 14%.
• Ghee Production: Due to the high-fat content, a significant amount of ghee can be produced from the milk.
• Milk Quality: The milk of this breed falls under the A2 category.
• Resilience: Bhadawari buffaloes are tolerant to adverse conditions.
• Age of First Calving: They are capable of giving birth to their first calf at the age of 47 months.
• Calf Mortality Rate: The mortality rate of their calves is low.
• Calving Interval: The interval between two calvings is around 475 days.
• Feed Requirement: Due to their smaller physical size, their feed requirement is less.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the identifying features of the Bhadawari buffalo?

A: The Bhadawari buffalo is a native breed found in India. It can be identified by its physical appearance and color. These buffaloes have a medium-sized body. Their horns are pointed and curved outward. They have long tails and a hump on their back. This breed is known for its high milk production.

Q: How much milk does a Murrah buffalo give in a day?

A: The milk production capacity of a Murrah buffalo can vary depending on factors such as their age, lactation period, the feed provided to them, and their health. On average, a healthy Murrah buffalo can produce approximately 8 to 12 liters of milk per day. However, during the peak lactation period, a Murrah buffalo can produce up to 15 to 25 liters of milk per day.

Q: Which buffalo gives the most milk?

A: The Murrah breed of buffalo is considered to be the highest milk-yielding buffalo breed in India. A healthy Murrah buffalo can produce approximately 12 to 16 liters of milk per day. However, during the peak lactation period, milk production can go up to 25 liters per day. It is important to note that proper nutrition and management can significantly improve the milk production capacity of Murrah buffaloes.

Q: Does feeding buffalo increase milk production?

A: The milk production capacity of buffaloes depends on their breed, age, health, and diet. To increase milk production in buffaloes, it is essential to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. For this, they should be fed green fodder such as maize, sorghum, barley, and oats. Their diet should also include dry fodder such as wheat bran, rice bran, and hay. In addition to this, soybean, mustard cake, peanut cake, etc., should be included in their diet for the supply of calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals. To increase milk production capacity, ensure a clean and fresh water supply for buffaloes every day.