Establishing Water Buffaloes as a Promising Source of Red Meat in Pursuit of Sustainable Animal Proteins for a Better World

Abstract

Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are distributed in 46 countries across 5 continents and hold significant impor-tance within the livestock production system in various South Asian countries. Water buffaloes are native to Asia and Mediterranean regions and have a significant impact on the economic profitability of producers due to their valuable con-tributions through milk, meat, leather, and draught power. The production of buffalo meat plays a significant role in safe-guarding global food security by meeting the growing demand for high-quality proteins. Buffaloes provide consumers with an unmatched blend of low-fat, low-cholesterol, conjugated linoleic acid and other bioactive peptide-rich meat with a lower atherogenic index and health advantages. Multiple utility, climate-smart nature, reduced food miles, suitability under a small-holder production system, and contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals promise water buffaloes as a sustainable source of red meat. This comprehensive depiction emphasizes the pivotal position that buffaloes are expected to assume in the future of meat technology. The current review serves as an essential reference for stakeholders engaged in the dynamic domain of buffalo meat production, processing, import and export agencies, standard-setting bodies, and policymakers.