Chilika Buffalo Characteristics – Size, Color & Horn Shape

Chilika Buffalo Characteristics

Chilika Buffalo Grazing – “A herd of Chilika Buffaloes grazing in the marshy lands near Chilika Lake, Odisha.” Chilika Buffalo Close-up – “A Chilika Buffalo showcasing its strong legs, compact body, and curved horns.” Chilika Buffalo Feeding – “Chilika Buffaloes feeding on submerged weeds and aquatic vegetation in Chilika Lake.” Traditional Chilika Buffalo Milk Collection – “Freshly collected Chilika Buffalo milk in clay pots, known for its rich taste and high-fat content.” Chilika Buffalo in Saline Water – “Chilika Buffalo wading through the saline waters of Chilika Lake, adapted to the unique ecosystem.” Chilika Buffalo Farmer – “A farmer with his Chilika Buffalo in Odisha, showcasing traditional dairy farming practices.” Chilika Buffalo Curd Storage – “Clay pots filled with Chilika Buffalo curd, known for its long preservation of 5-7 days at room temperature.” Chilika Buffalo Calf – “A young Chilika Buffalo calf standing beside its mother in a grazing field.”

Chilika Buffalo Information

Scientific Classification
  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Artiodactyla
  • Family: Bovidae
  • Genus: Bubalus
  • Species: Bubalus bubalis
  • Common Name: Chilika Buffalo
Breed TypeTriple-purpose (Milk, Draught, and Manure)
SynonymsDeshi
OriginIndigenous breed named after its native tract around Chilika Lake, Odisha.
Distribution
  • State: Odisha
  • Districts: Cuttack, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda
  • Breeding Tract: Bhusandapur, Tangi, Parikuda, Maluda, Krishnaprasad, Brahmagiri, Satapada
Geographical Range
  • Longitude: 85°05′ – 85°40′
  • Latitude: 19°10′ – 19°54′
Main UseMilk, Draught, and Manure
Special Features of MilkHigh preservation quality; curd made from Chilika buffalo milk lasts 5-7 days at room temperature.
Breed RegistryNo
Breed SocietyChilika Buffalo Promoters Society, Odisha
AdaptabilityWell adapted to saline conditions; feeds on submerged weeds and aquatic vegetation in Chilika Lake.
Physical Characteristics
  • Color: Brownish black or Black
  • Horns: Two, curved upward and inward
  • Horn Size: Male: 48.32 ± 0.24 cm, Female: 50.76 ± 0.12 cm
  • Distinct Features: Medium-sized, compact body, strong legs, and small udder
Average Body Measurements
  • Male: Height: 125.9 cm, Body Length: 122.7 cm, Heart Girth: 172.6 cm, Weight: 352.6 kg
  • Female: Height: 123.6 cm, Body Length: 120.6 cm, Heart Girth: 171.4 cm, Weight: 341.4 kg
Birth WeightMale: 18.06 kg, Female: 17.67 kg
Management SystemExtensive
MobilityStationary
Feeding PatternGrazing on marshy lands around Chilika Lake
Herd SizeVaries from 10 to 70 animals
Milk Production
  • Per Lactation: 500 kg (Range: 440 – 514 kg)
  • Milk Fat Content: 8.7% (Range: 8.5 – 8.81%)
Reproductive Performance
  • Age at First Parturition: 44.81 months
  • Parturition Interval: 14.03 months
Population
  • 2007: 29,000 (Survey by OLRDS, CBPS & OUAT, Odisha)
  • 2013: 2,599 (Breed Survey, Govt. of India)
Chilika Buffalo Grazing – “A herd of Chilika Buffaloes grazing in the marshy lands near Chilika Lake, Odisha.” Chilika Buffalo Close-up – “A Chilika Buffalo showcasing its strong legs, compact body, and curved horns.” Chilika Buffalo Feeding – “Chilika Buffaloes feeding on submerged weeds and aquatic vegetation in Chilika Lake.” Traditional Chilika Buffalo Milk Collection – “Freshly collected Chilika Buffalo milk in clay pots, known for its rich taste and high-fat content.” Chilika Buffalo in Saline Water – “Chilika Buffalo wading through the saline waters of Chilika Lake, adapted to the unique ecosystem.” Chilika Buffalo Farmer – “A farmer with his Chilika Buffalo in Odisha, showcasing traditional dairy farming practices.” Chilika Buffalo Curd Storage – “Clay pots filled with Chilika Buffalo curd, known for its long preservation of 5-7 days at room temperature.” Chilika Buffalo Calf – “A young Chilika Buffalo calf standing beside its mother in a grazing field.”

The Chilika Buffalo is medium-sized, brownish-black, with curved horns. Learn about its body size, adaptability, and grazing habits in Odisha.

THE RAJASTHAN EXPRESS