The Murrah buffalo is India’s most famous and highest-yielding water buffalo breed, originating from the plains of North-Western India. The word “Murrah” means curly or curved horns, which is the breed’s most distinguishing feature. It is also sometimes called the “Delhi Buffalo,” as its center of origin is considered the Delhi and Haryana region.
Murrah buffaloes are one of the most popular buffalo breeds in India and worldwide due due to their high milk production, high-fat percentage, and adaptability. Apart from India, this breed is found in several countries, including Brazil, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, and Indonesia.
Origin and Breeding Tract
The main breeding tract of Murrah buffaloes is the southern part of the Haryana state, with Rohtak, Jind, Hisar, Jhajjar, Fatehabad, Gurgaon, and Delhi (Union Territory) being the key areas.
- Geographical Location: Between latitude 28°15′ to 30°00′ N and longitude 75°45′ to 78°80′ E.
- Land and Climate: The region has light-textured sandy or loamy soil, with medium to high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. The climate is hot and dry, with summer temperatures reaching 45°C and minimum winter temperatures near zero.
Population Status
Approximately 20.5 million Murrah female buffaloes are found in India, constituting about 20% of the country’s total buffalo population.
- In Haryana, the buffalo population increased from 3.37 million in 1982 to 6.03 million in 2003—an increase of nearly 80% in 20 years.
- However, a slight decline was recorded between 2003 and 2007 (approx. 0.34% per year).
Key Physical Characteristics
| Trait | Description |
| Body Colour | Shiny jet black. Small white markings on the face or legs may occasionally occur but are undesirable. |
| Horns | Short, tightly curled, spiraling backwards and upwards. As the animal ages, the horns become looser and more curved. |
| Eyes | Black, bright, and active. Female eyes are prominent, male eyes are somewhat sunken. Should not have a ‘walled eye’ (whiteness on the cornea). |
| Tail | Long, reaching the knee; with a black or white switch (maximum up to 6 inches). |
| Body | Strong, heavy, and wedge-shaped body. |
| Head | Medium-sized. |
| Neck | Long and thin in females; thick and powerful in males. |
| Ears | Small, thin, and alert. |
| Skin | Soft, smooth, and hairless; skin is strong yet elastic compared to other buffaloes. |
| Udder | Well-developed, pendulous; all four quarters are evenly distributed. |
| Teats | Long, equally spaced; rear teats are slightly longer than the fore teats. |
Body Measurements
| Trait | Male | Female |
| Body Length (cm) | 150 | 148 |
| Height at Withers (cm) | 142 | 133 |
| Chest Girth (cm) | 220 | 202 |
| Birth Weight (kg) | 31.7 | 30 |
| Adult Weight (kg) | 450–800 (Avg. 567) | 350–700 (Avg. 516) |
Milk Production
Murrah buffaloes are known for high milk production. Various studies show milk yield varies based on location, management, and feeding.
| Trait | Average Value (Range) |
| Average Lactation Period | 290 – 330 days |
| Average Lactation Milk Yield | 1600 – 2000 kg |
| Average Daily Milk Yield | 6 – 8 kg |
| Highest Milk Production (Peak Yield) | 7 – 10 kg |
| Average Fat Percentage (Fat%) | 6.5 – 7.5% |
| Production Stability with Age | High; production is maintained even in later lactations. |
- Lifetime Yield: Total milk production recorded across 4–5 lactations ranges from 4,500 to 10,000 kg.
Murrah Buffalo Ghee
The ghee produced from Murrah buffalo milk is highly valued for its dense, rich nutritional profile, and it is the quintessential and most popular variety of ghee in its native region of Haryana. Murrah milk’s naturally high fat content (often 6.5–7.5%) results in a high yield of ghee that is thick, white or pale cream in color, and possesses a distinct granular (danedar) texture and nutty aroma—all hallmarks of its purity. Nutritionally, Murrah buffalo ghee is an excellent source of healthy saturated fats and provides a high concentration of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, and K. It is particularly rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Due to its higher fat content and caloric density, it is traditionally favored for providing sustained energy and is considered beneficial for building physical strength, making it a staple food for athletes, manual laborers, and those aiming for healthy weight gain. The preparation of Murrah ghee, often through the traditional Bilona (churning curd) method, is a deep-rooted cultural practice in Haryana, symbolizing the pride of the region’s dairy heritage. Pratapgarh Pure Murrah Buffalo Ghee — the finest, farm-crafted ghee made from Haryana’s most prized breed
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Reproduction Performance
| Trait | Average Value |
| Average Age at First Calving | 44–52 months (1310–1550 days) |
| Service Period | 150–180 days |
| Dry Period | 145–190 days |
| Calving Interval | 450–490 days |
| Gestation Period | ~310 days |
| Average Services per Conception | 1.9 services |
Housing and Management
- A mixed type of housing is observed in the breeding tract.
- Buffaloes are often tied outdoors to a tree or pole but are provided shelter during extreme weather.
- Most shelters have concrete walls and earthen floors with good ventilation.
Feeding and Fodder
- The stall-fed system is mostly adopted.
- Green Fodder (Rabi/Winter): Berseem, oats, mustard.
- Green Fodder (Kharif/Monsoon): Bajra (pearl millet), Jowar (sorghum), Guar (cluster bean).
- Dry Fodder: Wheat straw, pulse husks, oil cakes, and mixed feed.
- Oil cakes and grain feed are regularly given to increase milk production.
- Approximately 80% of women are actively involved in the care and milking of female buffaloes.
Breeding System
- Most farmers use Natural Service.
- Artificial Insemination (A.I.) is adopted to a limited extent.
Global Dissemination
Due to their excellent milk-yielding capacity, Murrah buffaloes have been exported to many countries and used to improve local buffalo breeds.
These countries primarily include: Brazil, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bulgaria, and Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
The Murrah buffalo is one of the most productive and popular buffalo breeds, not only in India but globally.
Its high milk-yielding capacity, high-fat percentage, resilience, and adaptability have earned it the status of “India’s Black Gold.” Through proper nutrition, health care, and genetic improvement programs, this breed remains the backbone of the rural economy.
Reference: https://www.kviconline.gov.in/pmegp/pmegpweb/docs/commonprojectprofile/DairyFarmUnitBuffalo.pdf
https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/animal_husbandry/animhus_buffalo%20breeds.html