The Surti Buffalo is a traditional Indian riverine buffalo breed native to the southwestern and western regions of Gujarat. Known for its moderate size, low feed requirement, and high-fat milk, the Surti buffalo is among the most preferred breeds by urban milk producers and traders. Its regular calving pattern, moderate milk yield, and superior milk composition (high fat and SNF content) make it well-suited for dairy processing and marketing.
Origin and Distribution
The traditional breeding tract of the Surti buffalo lies in southwestern Gujarat, particularly in the districts of:
- Anand
- Nadiad (Kheda district)
- Kaira (Kheda)
- Baroda (Vadodara)
Beyond Gujarat, the breed is also found in parts of southern and southeastern Rajasthan, including Udaipur, Bhilwara, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, and Dungarpur.
Demographic Indicators
According to the 2007 Livestock Census, the Surti buffalo population in Gujarat was approximately 1.557 million, contributing about 17.74% to the state’s total buffalo population. (Source: Gujarat State Livestock Census, 2007).
Physical Characteristics
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Coat varies from rusty brown to silver-grey. |
| Horns | Flat, medium-sized, sickle-shaped (crescent-like); directed downward and backward, turning upward at the tips. |
| Markings | White markings commonly found on the forehead, legs, and tail switch—traits preferred by breeders. |
| Eyes | Prominent; a white hair band often present above the brows. |
| Tail | Long and thin, with a white tuft at the tip. |
| Body | Medium-sized, straight back, small dewlap, and moderately developed naval flap. |
| Head | Long, broad, with a slightly convex forehead between the horns. |
| Neck | Generally exhibits two or three characteristic white bands, a unique identification mark. |
| Ears | Drooping with a reddish hue on the inner edge and white fringe hairs on the outer border. |
| Udder | Well-developed, squarely placed between hind legs, indicating good milking potential. |
Production and Reproductive Performance
(Weighted averages compiled from Sethi (2003) and Kharadi et al. (2006))
| Parameter | Average / Range |
|---|---|
| Lactation length | 292 ± 8 to 311 ± 7 days |
| 305-day milk yield | 1,547 ± 50 to 1,745 ± 60 kg |
| Average daily milk yield | 4.90 – 5.30 kg/day |
| Peak milk yield | Not reported |
| Average milk fat | 7.85 – 8.10% |
| SNF (Solids-not-fat) | Not clearly reported |
Interpretation:
The Surti buffalo shows moderate milk yield compared to larger breeds like Murrah or Mehsana, but its milk fat percentage is among the highest, making it ideal for the production of ghee, curd, and paneer.
Breed Advantages
- Feed Efficiency:
Performs well on limited green fodder and coarse feed; suitable for low-input systems. - Adaptability:
Highly suited for smallholder and resource-limited farmers in semi-arid regions. - Regular Calving:
Known for consistent reproductive performance, making it reliable for continuous milk production. - Milk Quality:
High-fat and high-SNF milk fetches premium prices and is ideal for processed dairy products. - Urban Compatibility:
Popular among city-based milk producers and traders due to manageable size and high butterfat milk yield.
Management and Conservation
- The breed is typically reared under smallholder and medium-scale farming systems.
- Productivity levels are moderate compared to top dairy breeds, yet economically viable due to milk composition and low maintenance costs.
- Conservation and improvement programs should focus on:
- Purebreeding and genetic selection
- Nutritional improvement (balanced feed and mineral supplementation)
- Health and reproductive management for enhancing lactation yield and herd sustainability.
With proper support and farmer participation, the Surti buffalo can continue to serve as an economically important breed for both rural dairy systems and urban milk supply chains.
Conclusion
The Surti Buffalo is one of Gujarat’s most significant indigenous breeds, valued for its hardiness, adaptability, and high milk fat. Even under limited feed and grazing resources, it maintains stable productivity and regular breeding. While its total milk yield may be moderate, its high-quality milk composition ensures continued demand among both farmers and processors. Breed improvement through scientific management, selective breeding, and community-based conservation programs can further enhance its productivity and economic value.
Selected References
- Sethi (2003) — Performance study of Surti buffalo in Gujarat.
- Kharadi et al. (2006) — Production and reproductive performance characteristics of Surti buffaloes.
- Gujarat Livestock Census (2007) — Breed-wise buffalo population statistics.