Water Buffalo

Large smooth-skinned black or gray, with curving horns, water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are native to the Subcontinent and have been domesticated for millennia. Wild herds still exist, especially in national parks in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Water buffalo can tolerate hot temperatures but not extreme cold. They are used in the Subcontinent to pull plows or for other labor, as well as for their milk and their meat. Water buffalo’s milk has a higher butterfat content than cow’s milk and is pure white in color. The meat is comparable to beef.