Many of us have heard about this at least once in our life. animal, as buffalo, which differs from the domestic bull in its massiveness and body dimensions, as well as the presence of huge horns.
These cloven-hoofed animals are divided into 2 large species, they are Indian and African. Also, tamarou and anoa are also included in the buffalo family.
Each species has its own characteristics in the way and nature of life, habitat, etc., which I would like to tell a little about in our article and show Photo of each kind buffalo.
General characteristics of the buffalo
Buffalo is a representative of the animal kingdom from the genus of mammals. Most of the species can be domesticated and are a source of meat and milk. Bull skins are also considered a valuable commodity for the manufacture of numerous leather goods. Buffalo is a herbivore and its habitat consists of forests and pastures, where they lead a gregarious lifestyle.
The weight of an adult bull reaches more than a thousand kilograms, and its height is up to 150 centimeters, depending on the type of animal. The largest are African buffaloes. Animals differ not only in mass, but also in the shape of their horns. The body of the bull is covered with short and stiff hair of brown or black color.
Habitat of herbivores
Buffalo is a very thermophilic animal, so it is not so often seen in Russia. However, we also have some types of buffaloes that can be found in nature reserves or on private farms. But hot countries are their favorite place:
- Among the dense vegetation of the river valleys of India, Nepal, Thailand, Bhutan and Cambodia, it is not uncommon to meet the Asian bull and its subspecies. Water buffaloes live well in tropical and subtropical forests of Asia. They live up to their name and spend most of their lives in the water.
- Throughout the northern and southern African savannah, among meadows and mixed forests, you can find the African (black) buffalo. They do not go far from the water, and at night they like to graze in the cool air.
Domestic bulls
The Indian buffalo was domesticated several thousand years ago. Images of animals similar to buffaloes can be found both on ancient Greek vases and on Sumerian tiles. Distributed throughout the southern territory of the Eurasian continent, bulls are still preserved as livestock in southern Europe and Southeast Asia. They were brought to Hawaii, Japan, and Latin America.
A local breed originating from Indian wild bulls has long been inhabited on the territory of the Caucasian region. Currently, breeding work is being carried out to improve local animals: to increase the meat yield and increase the milk quality of buffaloes. Traditionally, the population produced gatyg or yogut, kaymag (specially processed heavy cream) and ayran from milk. Currently, industrial recipes are being developed for making different types of cheese, because it is known that Italian mozzarella is made from buffalo milk according to the original recipe.
Domestic bulls are common in Bulgaria (Indo-Bulgarian breeding group), and in Italy and the Balkan region. They are bred in Transcarpathia and Lviv region (Ukraine). Both meat and buffalo milk are valuable food products.
In India, where the meat of ordinary cows is considered forbidden, domestic buffaloes are the source of this protein food. Domesticated bulls are not banned and are bred as both dairy and beef cattle. In Southeast Asia and Latin America, powerful, hardy animals are the best pulling power. With the help of bulls, people cultivate rice fields, harnessing the buffalo to primitive plows and harrows. In mountainous or swampy areas where horses cannot work, a variety of goods are transported on them.
Domestic animals very often independently interbreed with wild buffaloes, violating the purity of the latter's blood. Already rare, wild bulls lose their biological exclusivity, giving birth to offspring with a mixed genotype. Thoroughbred wild bulls are only about 1 thousand heads.
Buffalo productivity
In almost all main indicators of productivity, buffaloes are significantly inferior to ordinary cows. So, the slaughter yield usually does not exceed 47%, while in ordinary cattle this figure ranges from 50-60%. At the same time, the characteristics of the meat are very mediocre, to say the least.
The meat of adult buffaloes is quite tough and, moreover, gives off a strong musk, therefore, it cannot be used for food like ordinary beef. It must either be deeply processed (for example, to make sausages), or be fed to other animals (for example, to make dog food). But the meat of the young is more or less similar to beef, although it is noticeably inferior to it in taste. By the way, wild buffaloes in Africa and Australia are objects of sport hunting, but their meat also has no special value.
Average milk yield is also not particularly encouraging - 1400-1700 liters per lactation, which is 2-3 times lower than that of ordinary meat and dairy cows (not to mention purely dairy breeds). However, the advantage of buffaloes is that their milk is very fatty. While regular cow's milk contains 2 to 4% fat, buffalo milk contains 8%. In fact, the buffaloes do not even give milk, but low-fat cream.
Buffalo skins are of some value. The average weight of hides from one animal is 25-30 kg with an average thickness of about 7 mm.
Features of keeping buffaloes
According to the conditions of keeping, the Asian black buffalo is as close as possible to an ordinary cow. He grazes on the same pastures, lives in an ordinary cowshed, and generally differs little from a cow. At the same time, among pastoralists, there were two diametrically opposite opinions regarding the nature of buffaloes.
Some argue that buffaloes are incredibly capricious and even aggressive: they recognize only one owner and allow themselves to be milked only by him. But even the beloved owner often has to persuade his ward to share milk. Others, on the contrary, argue that buffaloes are much more obedient than cows, and even more attached to the owner than dogs.
Both the Indonesian dwarf buffalo and the domesticated Indian eagerly eat the coarsest and most low-value feed, which are usually unsuitable for cows. For example, these animals can be fed with straw and corn stalks. In addition, we recall that domestic buffaloes are called "river type". They can be safely grazed in swampy and forested pastures where normal cows are not grazed. Buffaloes are very fond of coastal vegetation (reeds, sedges), and also eat nettles, ferns and even pine needles without any problems.
In swampy areas where it is problematic to breed regular cattle, buffaloes feel very comfortable. Moreover, if there is at least a small body of water nearby, they will willingly swim in it in the summer heat.
It is believed that buffaloes tolerate cold well, however, given the southern origin of this species, this should not be abused.In regions with cold winters, animals definitely need a warm capital barn.
Advantages and disadvantages of buffalo
Traditionally, the term "cattle" refers to ordinary cows and bulls, but the domesticated buffalo also belongs to this category of farm animals. And since it is cows that are the main representative of this group, it makes sense to compare the advantages and disadvantages of buffaloes in relation to them.
The clear advantages are:
- High fat content of milk. The fat content averages just over 8%, and if certain feeding rules are followed, this figure can be easily increased to 10% or more. Thus, buffalo milk is an ideal raw material for the production of butter and cheese. If for the production of 1 kg of butter 30-35 liters of cow's milk is needed, then only 10-15 liters of buffalo milk are needed. Thus, the low milk yield of buffaloes is fully compensated.
- Undemanding to feed. Cheap coarse fodder, which is not suitable for cows, buffaloes eat with great pleasure, which significantly reduces the cost of their maintenance. Especially in the winter.
- Good health. Buffaloes are much less susceptible to infectious diseases of cattle. In addition, they can live in humid hot climates, making them the preferred cattle species in swampy areas. Especially in the south of the country.
However, the significantly greater popularity of cows in Russia has quite objective reasons.
Buffaloes have a number of significant disadvantages, due to which the vast majority of farmers prefer cows:
- Small milk yield. Under similar conditions of keeping and feeding, buffaloes give milk 2-3 times less than meat and dairy breeds of cows, and 4-6 times less than dairy breeds.
- Unpalatable meat. Although over the past decades, breeders have developed new breeds of buffalo, which have significantly improved the flavor characteristics of meat, beef is still much tastier.
- Complex nature. According to the reviews of many cattle breeders who had experience in breeding buffaloes, these animals are still more capricious and capricious than cows.
African buffalo and its subspecies
African buffaloes are found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa. There is one main species of African black buffalo, divided into subspecies. One of them is the dwarf forest buffalo, which is the smallest subspecies. The height at the withers is not more than 130 centimeters with an average weight of 275 kilograms. The color of the animal is from red to dark brown with dark spots on the head and shoulders.
The forest buffalo has white tufts of elongated hair growing along the ears, which is another distinctive feature of this species. Their habitat is the Western and Central part of the African savannah. There are also several intermediate types found in the forests of Kenya and Tanzania.
External characteristics
African buffaloes differ greatly from each other, not only in size, but also in color and shape of the horns. Adults are usually dark gray or black in color, while young ones are reddish brown in color. With age, buffaloes begin to lose their hair. The adult male is darker than the female and may have gray spots around the eyes. The chin and underside of the head are slightly paler.
Both males and females have heavy pointed horns, which are its main distinguishing feature in an adult buffalo. They merge, forming a continuous bony shield across the upper part of the head, then, bending, they leave with a point up. In large individuals, the distance between the ends of the horns reaches over one meter.
Horns are fully formed at the age of 5-6 years - this is a powerful and formidable weapon against predators and in battles for domination. Another distinctive feature of this species is the large drooping ears with fringed hair at the edges. The weight of adult males reaches up to 1200 kilograms. The height at the withers is 1.5-1.8 meters, and the length is 3-3.5 meters.
Reviews of gardeners
All gardeners are delighted with this variety. The red buffalo conquered everyone with its size and bright red color. Many are simply surprised how such illiterate giants break the bushes on which they hang. But the fact remains that the shoots are painfully strong and powerful.
Vitaly, 42 years old:
I was just amazed at the size of this variety. To make a salad for one person, Wodan tomato can be divided into several parts. Next year I will certainly plant a Red Buffalo again.
Asian buffalo and its subspecies
Asian buffaloes have been domesticated by humans for 4500-5000 years. Wild and domestic bulls differ in appearance and behavior. Domestic buffaloes are used for meat, milk, skins and horns. They also serve as a vehicle in some Asian countries or as agricultural "machinery" for plowing fields.
Filipino Tamarau
Tamarau is a pygmy buffalo from Mindoro Island in the Philippines. This small stocky animal weighs about 300 kilograms and is 95-120 centimeters tall. Tamarau is inhabited by areas with mixed forests and pastures. The horns of both sexes are relatively straight, pointed backwards. Each horn is wide and triangular at the base, and only at the end it becomes narrower and more rounded in cross section.
The horns of males are longer and thicker than those of females and reach over 50 centimeters in length. The color of the coat is from gray to brown. Unlike other types of buffalo, the tamarau is a loner. Adults do not gather in herds, but young gobies can form a family group. They feed on herbs, young bamboo shoots and prefer wild sugarcane.
Reproduction
Animals reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. The dwarf buffalo rut can occur at any time of the year. During breeding periods, you should be especially careful, since males are used to fighting for females, they have fights. Rivalry for the right to procreate comes down to clashes with horns.
Dwarf buffalo rut
Buffalo pregnancy lasts 11-12 months. Immediately before giving birth, the animal tries to retire, behaves aloof. It becomes an integral part of the "team" only at a time when the cub is already confidently standing. This happens quite quickly - the cub gets on its legs half an hour after birth. The babies are under the care of the mother for 9 months.
Babies have a small hairline, which, as the animal grows, is replaced by sparse hairs. The approximate weight of the calf is 40-50 kg. Breastfeeding lasts several months, after which the next stage of feeding begins - feeding on pasture.
Buffalo anoa
Anoa is a subspecies of the Asiatic buffalo and is itself subdivided into two types: plain and mountain buffalo anoa. These are miniature, robust buffaloes, resembling deer, up to 90 centimeters high at the withers and weighing 150-300 kilograms. Both species are classified as endangered. The dwarf buffalo prefers to lead a solitary lifestyle, but the young, sometimes, form small groups. Anoa is recognized as the smallest buffalo in the world. Habitat - jungle and forests of Indonesia.
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Breeding prospects in Russia
In Russia, animals are bred mainly in the North Caucasian Federal District, primarily in Dagestan. Local residents are engaged in their reproduction. As a rule, they are used as draft animals. But there are no specialized farms for buffaloes in these parts.
Breeding miniature buffaloes in Russia is a rather promising business. Animals are unpretentious in care and nutrition, have a strong body, and also provide a person with high-quality milk.Breeders are working on developing a breed in which the quality of meat will be improved.
Dwarf buffaloes are amazing creations of nature that combine many positive qualities. In Russia, these animals are not very common; in many regions they can only be found in the zoo. But it is quite possible to start breeding them, the main thing is to provide the animals with a warm home and proper care.
Buffalo carabao
The national animal of the Philippines is the carabao buffalo and is a subspecies of the Asian buffalo. Color from gray to black. Has a massive body, neck and head. The crescent-shaped horns are directed towards the neck. Carabao thrive in hot and humid climates. The availability of water is essential. Like other types of bulls, carabaos prefer to spend their time swimming in the mud.
To acquire a thick layer of dirt is their goal. Bulls eat grass, aquatic plants, reeds or reeds. For Filipinos, these animals are loyal partners in life. They help to plow the land, serve as transport assistants, and are a source of milk and meat. A popular sport among the locals is the carabao buffalo racing.
The diet
Water plays an important role in the life of buffaloes. 70% of the plant food consumed grows in wetlands, 30% in coastal areas. In search of food, animals go early in the morning or late in the evening. In the daytime, bulls dive into mud or water to escape the heat. Only the head remains above the surface of the water.
At home, their diet is similar to that of cows. Additives and fortified feed are added to the diet. In winter, animals need additional nutritional enrichment with vitamins and microelements.
Birds and turtles that live near water bodies help large livestock to cope with parasites. Insects, which were not eliminated by the constant companions of bulls, die in the water. Animal feces are an irreplaceable source of plant nutrition, contribute to the replenishment of soil resources, so people have learned to use them in agriculture.
Buffalo murra
Black buffalo Murra is a domestic buffalo breed. Its weight reaches 600 kilograms. They have short, curved horns. The average milk yield is 2200 liters during lactation (310 days). Buffalo Murrah is the preferred choice of many farmers in India as a good milk supplier.
In Brazil, this species is used for the production of both milk and meat. Murra buffaloes are native to India, but are widely used in Brazil, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, China, Nepal, Colombia, Laos, Russia.
Interesting facts from the life of buffaloes
The African buffalo is a member of the so-called big five animals of Africa: elephant, rhino, lion and leopard. These savannah bulls earned a bad reputation among the hunters and the common people who had close contact with them. Buffaloes are unpredictable and can be dangerous when cornered or injured. If they are not disturbed, these are peaceful animals leading a gregarious lifestyle, as well as having their own characteristics:
- the largest of all known bulls is the African buffalo;
- the weight of the buffalo at the time of birth is 40-50 kilograms;
- herds of African buffaloes may be as large as two thousand;
- the hooves of bulls have a wide base, which allows them to easily move around marshlands;
- the female hides the calf in the vegetation for several days before allowing it to join the rest of the herd;
- African bulls are wonderful swimmers;
- the African buffalo was never domesticated because of its harsh and unpredictable disposition;
- in nature, bulls live for 14-16 years. In captivity, life expectancy increases to 25-30 years.
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