Buffalo Breeds in India: Complete NBAGR Buffalo Breeds, Top 10 Buffalo Breeds & River vs Swamp Buffalo Guide

Buffalo Breeds in India: Complete Guide to NBAGR Buffalo Breeds in India, Murrah Buffalo Breed, and Total Buffalo Breeds in India

India is world‑famous for the unique richness and diversity of its indigenous cow and buffalo breeds. All these breeds are excellent examples of centuries‑old natural selection and adaptation to local environments, fulfilling the diverse agricultural and dairy needs of the country. India is the world’s largest milk‑producing country, and the real heroine of this milk revolution is the buffalo. It is a surprising fact that buffaloes account for only about 36% of India’s total milch animal population (cows + buffaloes), yet their contribution to total milk production is about 45% to 46%. In other words, more than half of the milk that reaches the Indian plate comes from buffaloes, and the dairy industry is sustained especially by its thickness and high fat content.

According to the 20th Livestock Census, India has 10.99 crore (109.85 million) buffaloes, while out of the country’s total milk production of 209.96 million tonnes (2020‑21), about 92 million tonnes of milk is obtained from buffaloes alone. This figure also makes India the world’s largest buffalo milk producer.

NBAGR Buffalo Breeds in India: Total Buffalo Breeds in India Registered by NBAGR

Behind this success is the unique diversity of 22 indigenous buffalo breeds registered by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), in which the Murrah breed has been crowned the ‘best milch buffalo in the world’. Born in areas like Rohtak, Hisar and Jind in Haryana, the Murrah buffalo is today being exported from Brazil to Vietnam, and by giving up to 4,000 litres of milk in one lactation, it quadruples farmers’ income.

Recently (in 2025), in NBAGR meetings, new breeds were added, taking the total number of livestock breeds to 242, reflecting the richness of our biodiversity. Whether it is the velvety milk of Murrah or Gujarat’s Surati‑Mehsana, every breed is a living proof of centuries of natural selection and adaptation to the local environment. This is why India is playing a leading role not only in the genetic improvement and conservation of cows but also of buffaloes.

NBAGR Cattle Breeds and NBAGR Buffalo Breeds Latest Update (2025–2026):

• 12th meeting: Held on 6 January 2025 at the NASC campus in New Delhi, in which registration of 10 new animal and poultry breeds from various states was approved.
• 13th meeting: Held on 12 November 2025 in New Delhi, in which 13 indigenous and 3 synthetic breeds were approved.
• Result: After these registrations, the total number of registered indigenous livestock and poultry breeds in India has become 242. As of now (June 2026), the total registered buffalo breeds are 22.

Condition: For any breed to be registered, it is necessary that at least 1,000 animals of that breed are present in the country.

Buffalo Breeds List: Classification of 22 Registered Buffalo Breeds in India

All the indigenous buffalo breeds in India have been divided into different groups based on their ancestral region (place of origin). Each region’s buffalo has its own special identity – some are famous for milk, some for their strength and ability to work. Currently, there are 22 registered indigenous buffalo breeds in India, which are mainly placed in five major groups:

1. Murrah Group
2. Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) Group
3. Gujarat Group
4. Central India Group
5. South India Group

The names of these groups themselves indicate in which part of India these breeds originated and how they have adapted according to the climate and needs of that area. Now, let us understand each group in detail and in simple language.

Top 10 Highest Milk Producing Cow Breeds in India : By The Rajasthan Express

Must Read for Dairy Farmers & Livestock Owners

• Gir Cow Breed

• Sahiwal Cow Characteristics
• Tharparkar Cow Milk Per Day
• Red Sindhi Cow Milk Per Day
• Rathi Cow Cow Milk Per Day
• Sanchori Cow Cow Milk Per Day
• Deoni Cow Cow Milk Per Day
• Hariana Cow Cow Milk Per Day
• Ongole Cow Characteristics
• Nimari Cow Milk Production

1. Murrah Group (Murrah Group) – Pride of the North‑West

This group includes the country’s most milch and famous buffaloes. Main breeds are:

• Murrah – Famous breed of Haryana, known all over the world. This buffalo is famous for its abundant milk and is called ‘Black Gold’.
• Nili Ravi – Breed of Punjab. This buffalo is known for its low fat milk. Among all buffalo breeds of India, Nili Ravi milk has the lowest fat, about 4%. That means its milk is thinner compared to other buffaloes.
• Gojri – Found in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is black in colour and small in stature, but easily adapts to harsh conditions.

2. Gujarat Group (Gujarat Group) – Strength of the Western Region

Gujarat has several strong milch breeds:

• Mehsana – Famous for good milk. This breed is found around Mehsana district of Gujarat.
• Surati – Buffalo of the Surat region of Gujarat. Its temperament is very calm and gentle, making it easy to rear.
• Jafarabadi – Very large stature and heavy body. Known for its huge size.
• Banni – Found in the Banni region of Kutch district, Gujarat. It is fully adapted to desert conditions.

3. Uttar Pradesh Group (UP Group) – Buffalo of the plains

The main breed in this group is Bhadawari.

• Bhadawari – Found in Uttar Pradesh (Mathura, Agra, Etah) and around Madhya Pradesh. It is a good milk‑giving breed, but its biggest speciality is that among all buffalo breeds of India, Bhadawari milk has the highest fat (approx 14%). That means its milk is very thick and creamy, considered the best for making desi ghee. Its horns are short and twisted, and the body often has brown‑white spots.

4. Central India Group (Central India Group) – Prosperity of Eastern and Central Parts

This includes buffaloes from several states (Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh):

• Nagpuri, Pandharpuri, Marathwadi – Major breeds of Maharashtra. These are strong and working buffaloes.
• Manda, Kalahandi, Chilka – Buffaloes of Odisha. Chilka buffalo is found especially around Chilka Lake.
• Chhattisgarhi – Strong, working buffalo of Chhattisgarh. Used mainly for ploughing fields and carrying loads.
• Puranathadi – Newly registered breed from the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
• Melghati – Recently identified breed from the Melghat region of Maharashtra. Its speciality is high fat content in its milk.

5. South India Group (South India Group) – Small but strong breeds

Buffaloes in this group are small in body, but very hardy and tolerant in local conditions:

• Toda – Found in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. This is a very unique and rare breed, reared by the Toda tribe.
• Dharwari – Famous buffalo breed of Karnataka. Dharwad Peda made from the milk of this breed is very famous.
• Bargur – Working buffalo of the Bargur region of Tamil Nadu. It is small but extremely strong, used mainly for farm work in hilly areas.

6. Eastern India Group (Swamp Buffalo Group) – Swamp Buffalo Group

Completely different from other breeds, these are swamp buffaloes, found in north‑eastern states such as Assam, Manipur, Mizoram. They are different in appearance and behaviour from riverine buffaloes. Their main use is for work (especially in muddy paddy fields) and meat rather than milk:

• Luit – Buffalo of the Brahmaputra river region (called Luit in Assam).
• Manah – Dual‑purpose breed of Assam – i.e., it gives some milk and can also do farm work.

The diversity of buffaloes in India is very large. Murrah is number one in milk quantity. Nili Ravi milk has the lowest fat (4%), while Bhadawari milk has the highest fat (14%). Other breeds are famous for their own special qualities – some for strength, some for work, some for surviving harsh weather. Every region has its own heritage.

Total Registered Buffalo Breeds in India (2026 Update)

As of February 2026, a total of 242 indigenous livestock and poultry breeds have been registered in the country. In addition, 3 crossbred (synthetic) cow breeds and 1 crossbred sheep breed have also been registered.

In India, as of June 2026, a total of 22 indigenous Buffalo breeds are registered. Among them, the prominent breeds are: Murrah ,Nili Ravi, Bhadawari, Mehsana, Surti, Jaffarabadi, Nagpuri , Pandharpuri , Marathwadi, Toda, Banni , Chilika, Kalahandi, Luit, Bargur, Chhattisgarhi, Gojri, Dharwadi, Manda etc

River Buffalo vs Swamp Buffalo: Difference Between River and Swamp Buffalo in India, Genetics, Characteristics, and Uses

The buffaloes found in India are mainly divided into two large groups: River Buffalo and Swamp Buffalo. These two are completely different from each other in appearance, temperament, habitat, and use. Let us understand the main differences between them in very simple language.

1. Genetic Difference Between River Buffalo and Swamp Buffalo

The most fundamental and decisive difference between River Buffalo and Swamp Buffalo is the number of chromosomes. River buffalo has 50 chromosomes, while swamp buffalo has 48 chromosomes. This difference is so profound that they are considered different subspecies or even separate species.

If these two are hybridized, the first generation (F1) produces offspring with 49 chromosomes, but such hybrids are often weak or infertile – they cannot reproduce further. Let us open and understand this entire mystery, and see why the offspring born between them is infertile like a mule.

What are chromosomes?

• Chromosomes are thread‑like structures found in the nucleus of every cell of every living being.
• Inside these chromosomes is hidden DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contains the entire genetic code of that animal – its colour, size, structure, temperament, disease resistance – everything.
• Each species has a fixed number of chromosomes. This number is like the identity of that species.

Chromosome numbers in various species:

• Human → 46 chromosomes
• Horse → 64 chromosomes
• Donkey → 62 chromosomes
• Cow & Goat → 60 chromosomes
• Sheep → 54 chromosomes
• Camel → 74 chromosomes
• Dog → 74 chromosomes
• River Buffalo → 50 chromosomes
• Swamp Buffalo → 48 chromosomes

When two animals produce offspring, half the chromosomes from the mother (via the egg) and half from the father (via the sperm) combine to make the full number in the baby’s cells.

Why are River and Swamp buffalo different?

• River buffalo (such as Murrah, Bhadawari, Mehsana) have 50 chromosomes. This is the group of most registered breeds in India. They are famous for milk production and prefer bathing in clean water (rivers, canals, ponds).
• Swamp buffalo (only ‘Luit’ in India) have 48 chromosomes. They are mainly reared for farm work and meat, and prefer living in dirty water, swamps, and mud.

This difference of 2 chromosomes – 50 vs 48 separates the entire world. Due to years of different evolution, their chromosomes do not match each other.

What happens if these two are hybridized?

Now comes the most interesting part. Scientists have hybridized these two in experiments:

• Mother (River buffalo) → egg has 25 chromosomes (half of 50)
• Father (Swamp buffalo) → sperm has 24 chromosomes (half of 48)
• Combined: 25 + 24 = 49 chromosome hybrid offspring

This hybrid survives and in some cases may grow large. But it is infertile – meaning when it grows up, it cannot produce offspring itself.

Why does this happen?

• To produce eggs or sperm, an animal’s body must divide chromosomes into pairs.
• But 49 is an odd number – it cannot be divided into equal pairs.
• When the body tries to make eggs or sperm, the chromosomes cannot separate properly. Result – neither proper eggs nor proper sperm are formed. Therefore, the hybrid becomes infertile.

River Buffalo Hybrid and Mule: A Similar Story

The offspring of a horse and donkey (mule) is also infertile, and the same mathematics works here:

In both cases:

• Mother and father are from different species.
• Their chromosome numbers are even but different from each other (64 & 62, or 50 & 48).
• The offspring gets an odd number (63 or 49).
• Due to the odd number, the offspring is infertile.

Only one difference: The mule is a very strong, enduring, and hard‑working animal, so people deliberately produce mules. The hybrid of these buffaloes does not have as much strength as a mule, so no one specifically rears it. But the principle of infertility is exactly the same.

Why don’t these two naturally reproduce with each other?

• Genetic isolation: Evolving separately for millions of years, their chromosomes have become so different that they do not naturally recognize each other as the same species. Even if kept together, their mating is very rare because their courtship behaviors are also different.
• If offspring ever occurs, it will be infertile – meaning it has no future. Producing such offspring is pointless in nature because it cannot pass on its genes. Therefore, nature has created a reproductive barrier between these two.

2. Habitat and Behavior of River Buffalo and Swamp Buffalo

• River Buffalo: They prefer clean and flowing water (rivers, canals). Their heat tolerance is lower, so they sit in water for hours to regulate their body temperature. This activity is called ‘wallowing’, which is very important for their health and milk production.
• Swamp Buffalo: As the name suggests, they prefer living in swamps, mud, and dirty water. By wallowing in mud, they not only regulate their temperature but also protect themselves from insects. Their bodies are more adapted to tolerate both heat and humidity compared to river buffaloes.

3. Luit Buffalo Breed: The Only Registered Swamp Buffalo Breed in India

Meaning of the name: The name ‘Luit’ comes from the local name of the Brahmaputra river – ‘Luit’ – because it is found mainly on the islands and banks of the Brahmaputra.

Identification and Characteristics of Luit Buffalo

• Colour: Mainly black, but it has white stocking‑like marks up to the knees on all four legs – this is the main identification of Luit buffalo.
• Horns: Large, wide, and semi‑circular, curving backward and upward.
• Head: Wide and concave forehead.
• Tail: Short.

Geographical Distribution of Luit Buffalo Breed: This breed is found mainly in 9 districts of upper Brahmaputra valley in Assam (Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Majuli, and Biswanath). Additionally, it is also seen in some border areas of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

Milk Production and Uses of Luit Buffalo: Although it is mainly a draught buffalo, it gives about 449 kg of milk per lactation, with fat content up to 8.68%. It is used for both milk and farm work.

Conclusion: River Buffalo – A Milk Factory, Swamp Buffalo – A Worker of Nature:

River buffaloes are like ‘milk factories’, while swamp buffaloes are like ‘nature’s labourers’. If you want to do dairy farming, the river buffalo (such as Murrah) should be your first choice.

Buffalo in India and Cattle: Basic Scientific Information

When we talk about animal husbandry, the first names that come to mind are cow and buffalo. But do we know about them from a scientific perspective? What is their family, how many days do they take to give birth, what does rumination mean, and what are things like dressing percentage? Let us understand the answers to all these questions in very simple language.

1. Scientific classification: By what scientific names does science know cow and buffalo?

Every living being has a scientific name and classification, so that scientists around the world can speak in the same language. The classification for cow and buffalo is as follows:

Special points to understand:

• Difference between indigenous and foreign cows: Our Indian cows (such as Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Rathi, and Tharparkar, etc.) have a hump on their shoulder, therefore they are called Bos indicus or Zebu cattle or Humped Cattle. Foreign cows like Jersey and Holstein have no hump, therefore they are Bos taurus – also called Humpless Cattle.
• River and Swamp buffalo: The buffaloes found in our country, such as Murrah and Nili Ravi, are River Buffalo, which have 50 chromosomes. Meanwhile, the Swamp Buffalo found in East Asia is a different species, having 48 chromosomes. Therefore, these two types of buffaloes differ in appearance and genetics.

2. Why are these called “Ruminant” animals?

Both cows and buffaloes are called ruminants or cud‑chewing animals. This means that after eating fodder, they bring it back to their mouth and chew it comfortably. Their stomach has four chambers, which help in digesting the fodder properly and extracting ample nutrition from it. They are also called Large Ruminants because they are larger than sheep and goats. This is why they can give us nutritious milk even after eating dry fodder and grass.

3. What is Dressing Percentage?

This term is a bit technical, but it is very easy to understand. Dressing percentage is the figure that tells, after slaughtering an animal, what percentage of its body remains for eating or use. The skin, head, feet, intestines, and blood are removed.

• For buffalo, this percentage is approximately 57%.
• For cattle, this percentage is approximately 55%.

That is, if a buffalo’s live weight is 100 kg, after slaughter only about 57 kg (meat and bones) remains for use.

• Cara Beef: Buffalo meat is called Cara Beef.
• Beef: Cow meat is called Beef.
• Veal: Calf meat is called Veal.

4. Life cycle of cow and buffalo: from birth to old age

It is very important for every livestock keeper to know when cows and buffaloes become capable of giving birth and what their lifespan is. These figures for cows and buffaloes differ from each other, so they should be remembered separately.

Points to note:

• The cow matures slightly earlier than the buffalo (18‑24 months vs 24‑36 months).
• The cow’s gestation period is about one month shorter than the buffalo’s (283 days vs 310 days).
• The cow’s average lifespan is also slightly shorter than the buffalo’s (15‑20 years vs 20‑25 years).

Complete terminology related to cows and buffaloes –

When we step into the world of animal husbandry, we hear many words – bull, bullock, heifer, calf, barn, dewlap, hump, brisket, etc. An ordinary farmer often calls all male cattle “bull” and all females “cow”, but in animal science, different words are fixed for every age, gender, and stage. Understanding the correct meaning of these words is essential for every livestock keeper, dairy entrepreneur, and student, because this understanding lays the foundation for proper animal management, breeding, and health care. Let us understand the meaning and speciality of all these words in very simple everyday language. Along with this, we will also clarify the differences between cows and buffaloes.

2.1 Vocabulary according to the age and gender of cattle

• Bull – Breeding male
  • This is an adult male cow, more than three years of age, fully capable of breeding (impregnating females).
  • Its testicles are present, and it is the main means of making cows pregnant in the herd.
  • Its weight is often 500‑600 kg or even more, and it looks extremely strong.
• Bullock / Steer – Castrated bull
  • When a male calf or bull’s testicles are removed surgically (this process is called castration), it becomes a bullock or steer.
  • It can no longer reproduce, but its body becomes calmer and more powerful, making it ideal for ploughing fields, pulling carts, and carrying heavy loads.
  • In common language, this is called “bull”, whereas in true sense, bullock means a castrated male.
• Cow – Adult female
  • A female cow that has given at least one calf and is giving milk is called a cow.
  • Usually its age is above 2‑3 years. It will not be called a cow until it has given its first calf.
  • Milk production is its biggest identity, and it is the mainstay of the dairy industry.
• Heifer – Young unbred female
  • This is a young female cow, between about 1 to 2.5 years of age, that has not yet given any calf.
  • It has grown physically but is not yet fully ready for reproduction or may have been serviced.
  • As soon as it calves for the first time, it becomes a cow and starts giving milk.
• Calf – Newborn baby (male calf / female calf)
  • A cow’s newborn baby, whether male or female, from birth to about 12 months (1 year) of age, is called a calf.
  • It is completely dependent on mother’s milk or external feed, and it undergoes its fastest physical development during this period.
• Bull Calf – Male calf
  • This is a calf that is male by sex. From birth to one year, it is called a bull calf.
  • When it grows up, if its testicles remain intact, it will become a bull; if castrated, it will become a bullock.
• Heifer Calf – Female calf
  • This is a calf that is female. Under one year of age, it is called a heifer calf.
  • After one year of age and without having given birth, it will be called only a heifer, and after giving birth, it becomes a cow.

2.2 Vocabulary according to the age and gender of buffaloes

• Buffalo Bull – Male buffalo bull
  • This is an adult male buffalo that is capable of breeding. It is used for natural impregnation and collecting high‑quality semen.
  • It is physically very strong and is the main source of breeding in buffalo herds.
• Buffalo – Adult female buffalo / milking buffalo
  • A female buffalo that has given at least one calf and is giving milk is called a buffalo.
  • It is the backbone of milk production in the dairy industry, and its milk has a higher fat percentage than cow’s milk.
• Buffalo Heifer – Young unbred female buffalo
  • This is a young female buffalo, between 1 to 3 years of age, that has not yet given any calf.
  • After first calving, it becomes a milking buffalo and starts producing milk.
• Buffalo Calf – Young calf (Paṛā / Paṛī)
  • A buffalo’s small baby, from birth to 12 months of age, is called a buffalo calf.
  • In Hindi, it is more accurate to call a male baby “Paṛā” and a female baby “Paṛī”, although in common language, “buffalo calf” is also used.

2.3 Special breeding management terms

• Teaser Bull / Vasectomy Bull – Heat detection bull
  • This is a special type of bull in which the vas deferens (sperm duct) has been surgically cut and tied. This procedure is called vasectomy.
  • Sperm continue to be produced in this bull’s body, but during ejaculation they cannot come out – only fluid comes out. Therefore, it cannot make a cow or buffalo pregnant.
  • Its main use is to detect heat (estrus) in cows and buffaloes. When a female comes into heat, this bull attempts to mount her, letting the livestock keeper know that the female is ready for artificial insemination or natural service.

2.4 Physical body parts and their characteristics

• Dewlap – Hanging skin under the neck
  • This is the loose layer of skin hanging under the cow’s neck.
  • It is found only in cows; it is completely absent in buffaloes.
  • The most developed and clearly visible dewlap is found in the Sahiwal breed of cows, which is a major breed identification marker.
• Hump – Hump on the back
  • This is the fleshy and bony part raised on the back of indigenous cows and camels above the shoulders.
  • It is formed mainly by the fusion and enlargement of the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae (back bones).
  • It is found only in indigenous humped cattle (Bos indicus), such as Gir, Sahiwal, Hariana. The hump is completely absent in foreign cows (Bos taurus) and all buffaloes.
• Navel Flap – Hanging skin at the navel
  • This is the fold of loose skin hanging just below the cow’s navel.
  • This is also a special characteristic found only in indigenous cows. In buffaloes, it is either absent or very insignificant.
  • The longest and most developed navel flap is found in the Sahiwal breed of cows, considered a main identification of this breed.
• Brisket – Chest area
  • In both cows and buffaloes, the part between the two front legs where the chest is located is called the brisket.
  • This is an important part of the body, and its width and strength are assessed when evaluating the animal’s stature.
• Heart Girth – Chest circumference
  • This means the roundness or length around the animal’s chest, i.e., the complete circumference of the chest just behind the front legs.
  • This measurement is very useful because the animal’s live weight can be easily estimated from the heart girth measurement. Different formulas are available for different breeds.
• Flank – Side / Loin
  • This is the soft area below the ribs and towards the back of the belly, where the animal’s belly begins.
  • It has great medical significance. When a cow or buffalo suffers from milk fever, the sick animal abnormally turns its neck towards the flank – a major symptom for identifying this disease.
  • Similarly, when a horse has colic (abdominal pain), it also turns its neck towards the flank.

2.5 Leg structure: Hooves and Dewclaws

• Main toes and hooves
  • In both cows and buffaloes, each leg has two fully developed toes – these are the 3rd and 4th toes. Each toe has 3 small bones (phalanges).
  • The hard parts on top of these two toes together form the hoof, on which the animal walks and supports its entire weight. Therefore, it is placed in the even‑toed ungulate order (Artiodactyla).
• Dewclaws – Vestigial toes
  • On the fetlock joint (the joint below the knee of the leg) of cows and buffaloes, the 2nd and 5th toes are present in very small, vestigial form.
  • These vestigial toes are called dewclaws. They do not touch the ground at all and are merely marks.
• Comparison with horses (additional information)
  • The structure of a horse is different. In it, only one toe (the 3rd) is fully developed, and that alone forms its entire hoof.
  • The remains of the 2nd and 4th toes in the horse are called ergots, found on the fetlock joint.
  • The remaining vestige of the 1st toe is called chestnut, found on the inner side of the horse’s leg. “When cleaning a horse’s leg, the chestnut appears on the upper side and the ergot on the lower side.”

2.6 Group and housing terms

• Herd – Group of animals
  • A group of cows, buffaloes, or other animals living together is called a herd.
  • This group can range from a few animals to hundreds. For example, “The cowherd took his herd to graze in the morning.”
• Barn – Animal house / Shed
  • This is a large covered building built on a farm where animals are kept, along with fodder, machinery, and other agricultural equipment.
  • To protect from rain, sun, and cold, animals are often tied in the barn at night.
• Byre – Cow shed
  • This is a covered shelter specifically built for cows (and sometimes buffaloes). It can also be called a cow‑shed.
  • In common language, both barn and byre are given the same meaning – “cow‑buffalo’s house”.