Domestic buffalo

Domestic buffalo is a large bovine animal that is used for milk, meat, and labor. There are two types of domestic buffalo: the water buffalo and the Mediterranean buffalo.

History

The domestic buffalo has been used by humans for thousands of years. The water buffalo was domesticated in the Indian subcontinent about 5,000 years ago, and the Mediterranean buffalo in the Middle East about 2,000 years ago. They were brought to other parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and the Americas, by traders and explorers.

Characteristics

Domestic buffaloes are large animals, with males typically weighing between 800 and 1,200 kg, and females between 600 and 800 kg. They have a large hump over their shoulders, long, curved horns, and a thick hide that is usually black or dark brown. They are well adapted to life in hot, humid climates, and are often found in swampy areas or near rivers.

Uses

Domestic buffaloes are used for a variety of purposes. They are an important source of milk, and in many parts of the world, buffalo milk is preferred to cow's milk because it is richer in fat and protein. Buffalo meat, also known as buff, is eaten in many countries, and is often used in dishes like curry and stew. Buffaloes are also used as draft animals, particularly in Southeast Asia, where they are used to plow fields and pull carts.

Breeding and management

Buffaloes are typically bred in the late summer or early fall, and the gestation period is about 10 months. Calves are usually weaned at about six months of age. Buffaloes are generally hardy animals, but they can be susceptible to diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and tuberculosis. They are also prone to parasite infestations, and regular deworming is necessary to keep them healthy.

Conservation status

While domestic buffaloes are not considered endangered, their wild counterparts, the wild water buffalo, is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are focused on preserving the genetic diversity of the wild populations, which is important for the long-term survival of the species.

See also

• Bovine
• Dairy farming
• Livestock

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