Present status of buffaloes and their productivity in Bangladesh

Abstract

1.86 million (Indigenous river, swamp, and swamp X river type) buffaloes are distributed mainly in the plain land, sugarcane belt and coastal area of Bangladesh and are raised by the small farm holders. Buffaloes per household ranges from 5.79 to 2.12. Height at wither is 123 ±3.09 and 112.5 ±2.15 cm for buffaloes of central and eastern region respectively. Growth rate of buffalo calves ranges from 360 to 340 g/day. Late maturity (1411.58 ±43.01 d) along with long life span facilitates farmers to use baffaloes longer period. Average daily milk yield is 2.32 ±0.63 L with average lactation yield of 730 ± 90 1 for 328 ± 28.76 d. Both male and female individuals are used for draught purpose. A pair of buffalo can prepared 0.23 ±0.06 ha of land daily and can work for 6.1 ±0.78 hr.