BUFFALO POPULATION and PRODUCTION in the USA
...April, 1997
Origin:
Prior to the mid-1970s water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) were only observed in a few zoological collections in the United States. In May 1975 five(5) animals were imported to the University of Florida from a Canadian zoo to begin research on the species as a livestock animal. In 1977-78 53 Swamp type animals were imported from the island of Guam in the first commercial importation. These animals were probably of the carabao type , with original genetic material from the Philippines. In 1981 a herd of 103 River Type water buffalo were imported from the island of Trinidad. Several smaller importations took place during the next decade including one public sale in 1990 at which 55 Buffalypso (Trinidad type) animals were sold for about $5000 USD on average with the highest price paid as $5700 USD.
Geographical Areas:
The largest concentration of water buffalo is in the southern US. The Texas-Arkansas area and Florida having the most animals, but a number of small herds exist throughout the US.
Numbers:
In 1987 it was estimated that there was 1200 commercial animals in the US. A decade later, in 1997, this number is estimated at about 2400-3500 total animals in about 20-30 herds. There are no research or industrial herds in the US.
Productivity:
No real registration or collection of water buffalo production statistics is done in the US, so true productivity is difficult to estimate.
Because of the small size of the national herd, water buffalo production is mainly breeding animals with calves consuming all milk produced.
Until recently (Feb, 1997) one US herd produced milk that was processed into mozzarella cheese. This arrangement was terminated in Feb. 1997 and there does not appear to be a source of domestic water buffalo cheese at the present time. A few of the larger herds use machine milking and sell milk locally for blending with cattle milk. Expected production is about 4 -8 liters per day and a 240-280 lactation.
Small amounts of meat are produced for the custom local markets. However, no national market for meat exists. Animals are usually slaughtered at 18 months and about 1000 to 1200 lbs.(450-550 kg) An average of 55% useable meat is expected.
In 1997, estimated prices for heifers are $4000 USD. A bull $1000 to $1500 USD. A bred buffalo cow costs about $6500 USD.
Reproduction:
First calves are usually produced about 24 to 36 months of age. No artificial insemination is done and there is no source of frozen semen. Efforts are made to produce a calf every 13-14 months.
Housing:
Most animals are raised in a pasture grazing system with some covered free stall housing provided in the colder parts of the country. Although the majority of buffalo are raised in the warmer areas of the country, in some areas there is average 40 (100 cm) inches of rainfall a year, primarily during the winter months. Winter temperatures can also range from 15 F (-10 C) to 50 F (+10 C). Wind chill can go down to 0 F (-18 C).
Feed:
Some water buffalo are fed only pasture and some are given concentrate, haylage or maize silage. One breeder/raiser that milks his animals feeds feeds 3 to 5 pounds (6.5 to 11 kg) a day of cottonseed and a dairy blend (a 16% protein ration). Another, who uses more pasture and roughage, feeds a good quality hay, average of 18 lbs. (8.2 kg) a day/per animal and does not give any supplements.
Perspectives:
Buffalo in the US are presently considered to be an alternative and exotic livestock animal. The production and sale of breeding animals is the main source of income. Recently, US farmers have become more interested in pasture based, low concentrate dairy production systems with more focus on lower cost production of smaller quantities of high quality product. The water buffalo fits well into this type of program and perhaps we will begin to see larger market develop for milk, cheese and meat products.
Submitted by: David J. Ligda DVM, International Livestock Project Development, Inc. djligda@netnitco.net
Home
Back
Next
david j. ligda
djligda@netnitco.net
Last Updated:Tuesday, April 15, 1997 11:48:05 AM