5 Common Myths About Buffalo Farming Debunked

5 Common Myths About Buffalo Farming Debunked

Buffalo farming is surrounded by traditional beliefs, some of which do more harm than good. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Oxytocin Injections Are Harmless

Fact: Regular use of oxytocin to induce milk let-down can cause reproductive issues and make the buffalo dependent on the injection. Natural stimulation through calf suckling or udder massage is always better.

Myth 2: Feeding Pure Ghee Increases Milk Fat

Fact: Buffaloes are ruminants. Feeding pure fats like ghee disrupts rumen microbes, reducing digestion efficiency and lowering overall milk yield. A balanced diet with bypass fat is a scientific alternative.

Myth 3: Buffaloes Need to be Kept in Water All Day

Fact: While wallowing helps with heat stress, sitting in muddy water for extended periods increases the risk of mastitis and hoof infections. Clean splash pools or regular showering are much healthier options.

Myth 4: Concentrates Are Only for Milking Animals

Fact: Dry pregnant animals undergo immense physiological stress. Skipping concentrates during the dry period leads to weak calves and metabolic diseases like milk fever post-calving.

Myth 5: Cross-breeding Always Leads to Better Yields

Fact: Indiscriminate cross-breeding dilutes pure Murrah genetics. Focus on selective breeding using high-pedigree semen to retain milk fat and disease resistance.