About Murrah Buffalo: The Black Gold of India
The story of India's most prized dairy buffalo breed — from the fertile lands of Haryana to dairy farms across five continents.
The Genetic Origin of Murrah Buffalo: A Century of Excellence
The Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is not just a breed; it is a masterpiece of selective breeding. It is the result of over a century of patient, community-driven selection in the Zila (districts) of Rohtak, Hisar, and Jind in Haryana, India.
Why "Murrah"?
Historically known as "Kundi" due to their unique, tightly curled horns ("Kundi" means "curled" in the local dialect), these animals were specifically developed for high-fat milk yield and extreme climate resilience. Unlike other breeds, the Murrah was bred to thrive in both the scorching 48°C summers of North India and the freezing winters.
The Scientific Heritage
By the early 1900s, the breed was already gaining fame across the Indian sub-continent as the "World's Best Dairy Buffalo." Scientific records from the British era noted the exceptional fat percentage (often exceeding 7%) and the animal's ability to convert low-quality fodder into high-quality milk. This genetic heritage is what makes the Murrah the primary choice for improving local buffalo breeds globally through cross-breeding programs.