What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Buffalo? A Complete Guide for Farmers
Introduction
In India, buffalo rearing is an important source of income for farmers and people in the dairy business. Buffalo milk usually has more fat than cow milk, although the actual amount depends on breed, feed, health and other factors.
If you want to start a dairy farm or grow your existing animal-rearing business, choosing the right buffalo is very important.
Let us look at what you should pay attention to when buying a buffalo.
1. Identify the Buffalo's Breed
India has Murrah, Jaffarabadi, Mehsana, Surti and other buffalo breeds.
The Murrah buffalo is especially popular for dairy farming. However, the performance of any breed depends on its feed, health, management and local conditions.
Before choosing a breed, understand how much milk you need, how much space you have and how many resources you can provide for the animal's care.
2. Get Real Information About Milk Yield
If your main purpose in buying a buffalo is milk production, assess its real capacity.
Ask the seller:
- How much milk does the buffalo give per day?
- How long ago did it calve?
- Is it milked once or twice a day?
- Is any record of its past milk yield available?
Wherever possible, have the buffalo milked in front of you and confirm the quantity. Do not pay a higher price based only on verbal claims.
3. Check the Udder and Health
Before buying a buffalo, it is necessary to check its udder and health.
Make sure there are no signs of unusual swelling, pain, wounds or other problems in the teats. If you see any unusual change in the milk, take a veterinarian's advice.
Also pay attention to the buffalo's walk, appetite, cud-chewing, breathing and general behaviour.
Getting a veterinarian's help for the health check is a good step.
4. Know the Age and Calving History
A buffalo's age and past calving history can affect your buying decision.
Ask the seller how many times the buffalo has given birth and when it last calved. If it is said to be pregnant, get this confirmed by a veterinarian.
A buffalo's age can be estimated from its teeth, but this estimate is not fully accurate.
5. Arrange the Right Feed and Water for the Buffalo
A balanced diet is necessary for good health and milk production.
A buffalo's diet should include green fodder, dry fodder, balanced cattle feed and enough clean water, as per its needs.
A milking buffalo's nutritional needs can be different from those of other animals. So decide the feed based on the animal's age, weight and milk yield.
6. Calculate Other Costs Along With the Purchase Price
A buffalo's price can vary depending on its breed, age, health, milk yield, stage of lactation and the local market.
Apart from the purchase price, also consider these costs:
- Daily fodder and cattle feed
- Shelter and cleaning
- Veterinary care and vaccination
- Transport
- Arrangements for milking and storing milk
Before starting a dairy business, prepare a practical calculation of total costs and possible income.
7. Verify the Seller and the Deal
When buying a buffalo online or from a local market, confirm the seller's identity and the details of the animal.
If you are contacting a seller after seeing photos online, try to see the buffalo in person if possible. Avoid making an advance payment without checking its health and milk yield.
Also make the transport arrangements and payment terms clear beforehand.
How to See Buffalo Listings on GavBazar?
GavBazar is an online marketplace where you can see listings of animals and agricultural products.
To buy a buffalo, see the Buffalo category on the website. Compare the options available as per your need and get information from the seller concerned.
Before buying, do not forget to check the animal, verify the seller and understand the payment terms.
Conclusion
When buying a buffalo, focusing only on breed or price is not enough. You should also keep in mind milk yield, health, age, feed and the arrangements for care.
A buffalo chosen on the basis of the right information can help you run your animal-rearing business better.
👉 To buy or sell a buffalo, see the listings available on GavBazar.