About 5% of the world’s milk supply comes from water buffaloes. Their milk tastes similar to milk from domestic dairy cattle. However, water buffalo milk is 50% higher in good fats than cow’s milk and 40% lower in cholesterol. It also contains a slightly lower level of lactose than cow’s milk, so it may be more easily digested by people with a sensitivity to lactose.
In Italy, gourmet cheeses such as mozzarella, bocconcini, burrata, and caciotta are traditionally made from water buffalo milk. The fat molecules are smaller than those in cow’s milk and therefore do not clump together, making for thick yogurt and creamy butter.
Water buffalo meat is a major source of export revenue in Asia. Called carabeef, water buffalo meat is said to taste similar to domestic beef. However, it is lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol but higher in protein and minerals than beef. Some even claim carabeef “tastes beefier than beef.” The USDA reported that Indian exports of carabeef in 2009 reached over 434,000 tons, with exports projected to increase 3% by 2013. The exportation of carabeef, along with other cattle, has made India a leading beef exporter following closely behind the top producer, Brazil.
Full grown water buffaloes are impressively large, standing over five feet tall. Bull water buffaloes may often weigh up to 2,200 pounds. The cows are slightly smaller, generally weighing between 800 and 1,800 pounds. Both male and female water buffaloes grow thick crescent shaped horns that sweep outward and back. They are generally black or light in color, and may also have white markings on the face, legs, and feet. Water buffaloes have large wide-splayed feet that prevent sinking in the mud of the marshes, rivers, and swamps where they spend most of their leisure time. While in the marshes, they will graze on the rich plant life as well as using it for protection against the elements and predators. Though they enjoy the water, water buffaloes prefer to graze in the open grasslands.
Water buffaloes thrive in regions with marginal forage and land, which is traditionally available to the working classes in less-developed regions. Because they can be used for their milk, meat, and as a beast of burden, they are the ideal all-purpose cattle. Domestic water buffaloes are quite docile. They become so personable when raised by humans, they are often considered to be part of the family, though not as a pet.
Fast Facts
The domestic water buffalo is a formidable bovine originally from the southeastern half of Asia. They are known by a variety of names including Asian water buffalo, Asian buffalo, Indian buffalo, and water buffalo. There are two main types of water buffaloes, the swamp and the river water buffalo.
As the name suggests, the water buffalo spends much of its time submerged in the waters of swamps, rivers, and marshes of the tropical and subtropical Asian forests. While in the water they eat the aquatic plants, but they will also venture out to graze in the open grasslands.
1. Water buffalo are the ideal all-purpose cattle.
2. Traditional mozzerella cheese is made from water buffalo milk.
3. Water buffalo are nicknamed the "living tractor of the East."
Water buffalo are personable when raised by humans, often becoming considered part of the family.
About Me
Snapshot
Exploration
Meat
Name:
Scientific:
Family:
Relatives:
Environment:
Origin:
Life-span:
Size:
Water Buffalo
Bubalus bubalis
Bovidae
Cape Buffalo, Bison, Yak
Asia
25 years
880 - 2,200 pounds
Wetlands, Swamps, Rivers
Milk
Water buffalo have been an essential part of the traditional farming structure in under-developed locations for thousands of years. As a beast of burden, they are used for pulling plows and wagons, pumping water, and carrying people or hauling loads across wetlands. Because of their strong build, even temperament, and sure-footedness in muddy terrain, the water buffalo is nicknamed “living tractor of the East.”
Draft
Asia
