Milk price is generally determined by its fat and protein content. However, these are often not emphasized in the buffalo genetic improvement programs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of non-genetic factors (regions, lactation orders, seasons of calving, calf sex, and stages of lactation) on buffalo milk yield and composition. The research was conducted in five upazilas (Madarganj, Ishwardi, Lalmonirhat, Ramgati, and Bauphal) of Bangladesh. The 300-day total lactation milk yield (TLMY) was estimated following ICAR guidelines, and milk composition was analyzed using a Lactoscan Milk analyzer. About 1153 test-day milk yield records were collected on 113 buffalo cows. The average TLMY was 816.39±18.1kg (664.01±24.03kg to 1027.07±22.25kg). The average fat, protein, lactose, and SNF (Solids-Not-Fat) contents were 8.22±0.05%, 3.68±0.02%, 5.13±0.02%, and 9.69±0.03%, respectively. TLMY was affected (P<0.001) by region, lactation order (P<0.001), calf sex (P<0.05), and calving season (P<0.01). Simultaneously, daily milk yield also differed (P<0.001) by stage of lactation. Accordingly, fat, protein, lactose, and SNF content differed (P<0.05 to P<0.001) by regions, lactation orders, calf sex, seasons of calving, and stages of lactation. The highest milk fat was found in the 3rd lactation (8.56±0.08%) and the highest milk protein in the 4th lactation (3.87±0.03%). Buffalo cows with male calves had more LMY, protein, and SNF. In addition, milk fat was negatively correlated with region, lactation order, calving season, and calf sex, while positively correlated with lactation stage (P < 0.001). Protein and lactose were positively correlated with region, lactation order, and calving season but negatively correlated with calf sex and lactation stage. The study highlighted that various non-genetic factors influenced milk yield and composition in buffalo cows.
Purpose: To critically evaluate the environmental, productive, and socioeconomic contributions of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) to agroecological livestock systems, emphasizing its role in promoting sustainability across tropical, subtropical, and other marginal production environments. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using an iterative, topic-oriented search approach to synthesize current scientific evidence on the morphophysiological adaptations, productive performance, resource-use efficiency, contribution to soil and biogeochemical processes, ecosystem services, and environmental limitations associated with agroecological buffalo production systems. Results: Available evidence indicates that water buffaloes have biological and behavioral adaptations that enable efficient production under challenging environmental conditions. Comparative studies reported greater cellulose digestibility in buffaloes than in cattle fed wheat straw (30.7 vs. 24.3%) and enhanced soil nutrient cycling under buffalo grazing, including greater potential net carbon mineralization (20.03 vs. 9.54 μg C g⁻¹ d⁻¹). At the production-system level, a study of Murrah buffalo milk production in India reported a lower carbon footprint in smallholder farms than in organized farms (3.540 vs. 4.538 kg carbon dioxide equivalent [CO₂-eq] L⁻¹ milk), indicating that environmental performance can vary substantially among buffalo production systems. Buffaloes' potential integration into resource-efficient production systems is further supported by their ability to utilize highly fibrous, low-quality forages and adapt to wetlands and flood-prone environments. However, these environmental benefits depend on science-based management practices, as excessive stocking rates and continuous grazing in ecologically fragile ecosystems may promote vegetation degradation, soil deterioration, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Conclusion: Water buffaloes can represent a strategic component of agroecological livestock systems because they combine productive efficiency with ecosystem services that enhance environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Nevertheless, maximizing these benefits requires appropriate grazing management and conservation-oriented production strategies adapted to local ecological conditions.
This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of crossbreeding Local buffaloes with Murrah and Mediterranean Italian genotypes on reproductive performances and milk production in Bangladesh. The research was carried out at the Research and Development (R&D) farm of Lal Teer Livestock Development (BD) Limited, Uthura, Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Data were collected from 50 lactations of 23 buffalo cows, including Local, Murrah-dominant local cross, and graded F1 Mediterranean Italian cross (Mediterranean Italian × Local) genotypes over the period from 2014 to 2023. Results indicated that age at sexual maturity was lower in F1 crosses (31.23±1.08 months) compared to Local buffaloes (42.52±2.79 months). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in calving interval and lactation length among the genotypes; however, lactation yield differed significantly (P<0.001). The adjusted (mixed-model) means of lactation yields were 497±80.8 kg in Local buffaloes, 700±103.0 kg in Murrah crosses, and 1317±89.3 kg in F1 Mediterranean crosses. Similarly, average daily milk yield showed significant variation (P<0.001), with F1 Mediterranean crosses producing the highest yield (4.67±0.31 kg/day), followed by Murrah crosses (2.60±0.38 kg/day) and Local buffaloes (1.77±0.28 kg/day). Milk yield across lactation stages also varied significantly (P<0.001), with F1 crosses maintaining superior production during early (4.84±0.34 kg), mid (5.09±0.34 kg), and late (4.07±0.34 kg) lactation periods. Economic analysis showed milk prices ranging from 72 to 133 BDT/kg, with higher returns from milk and milk products. These findings demonstrate the significant genetic advantage of Mediterranean Italian cross buffaloes in reproductive efficiency and milk yield in Bangladesh.
This study investigated forage biodiversity in Kalang buffalo grazing lands in the Hulu Sungai area, specifically Daha Utara and Paminggir, which have comparable land areas but differ in buffalo population size. The biodiversity of the two locations was compared by assessing the numbers, frequencies, densities, and dominance of edible forage species. The study identified 15 edible forage species, including 1 legume and 12 grasses. Daha Utara had more edible plant species than Paminggir (12 vs. 6), and three species were found in both locations. The most common and dominant species were Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus brevifolius. The findings indicate a decrease in forage species abundance in the more densely populated Paminggir area compared to the less densely populated Daha Utara area, as well as the scarcity of the previously reported, highly preferred grass species, Oryza rufipogon. Regional mapping and grazing management strategies that are adapted to buffalo carrying capacity and population size are recommended to maintain high forage biodiversity and ensure the availability of palatable, nutritious forage species.
Estimation of heritability and breeding values is essential for improving economically important traits and identifying superior individuals in buffalo populations. This study evaluated growth traits in 33 Local/Indigenous and 35 F1 crossbreed (Local × Mediterranean Italian) buffalo progenies using a single-trait animal model under Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML), with fixed effects (parity, sex, birth season, year of birth, breeding system) and random effects (additive genetic and permanent environment). Heritability of body weight (BW) was moderate and stable in Local buffalo (0.32±0.08–0.39±0.07) but more variable in crossbreeds (0.21±0.17–0.42±0.11). F1 crossbreeds consistently outweighed Local buffalo, from 35.06±0.82 kg at birth to 219.70±6.36 kg at 12 months, and showed higher average daily gain at birth-3 months (678.11±27.27 g/day) followed by at 3-6 months (599.66±22.21 g/day), confirming a positive crossbreeding effect. Estimated breeding values (EBVs) showed considerable variability for both traits: BW EBVs ranged from −31 to +40 kg in Local buffalo and −19 to +31 kg in crossbreeds, while ADG EBVs (0–12 months) ranged from −86 to +115 g/day and −55 to +87 g/day, respectively. These findings indicate that moderate-to-high heritability supports effective selection, while EBV variability offers scope to identify genetically superior animals and improve herd performance across environments.
