Surti buffalo
| Other names |
|
|---|---|
| Country of origin | India |
| Distribution | Gujarat: Anand, Kaira and Baroda districts |
| Use | Dairy |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Height |
|
| Coat | rusty brown or silver-grey |
| |
The Surti is a breed of water buffalo found in the Kaira and Vadodara districts of Gujarat between the Mahi and Sabarmati rivers. Its average milk yield is 1,600–1,800 litres (350–400 imp gal; 420–480 US gal). The fat content of the milk is about 8–10 per cent. The best animals of this breed are found in Anand, Kaira and Baroda districts of Gujarat.[1]
Sickle shape horn is its characteristic feature.
Characteristics of the breed
The Surti buffalo is of medium size and docile temperament. The breed has got a fairly broad and long head with a convex shape at the top in between horns. Horns are sickle-shaped and flat which grow in a downward & backward direction and then upwards at the tip forming a hook. The skin is black or brown. Surti breed has a unique straight back. Good specimens have two white collars.
Performance of the breed
Average milk production:-
- Ist Lactation:-1500-1600 kg
- Other than Ist Lactation:- 1900–2000 kg
Fat:- 7 to 7.5%
SNF:- 9 to 9.15%
Age at Ist calving:- 45 to 47 months
Calving interval:- 400 to 425 days
Breeding period:- Seasonal (Sept. to April)
References
- ^ Breed data sheet: Surti. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed September 2013.