The Surti is a breed of water buffalo found in the Kaira and Vadodara districts of Gujarat between the Mahi and Sabarmati rivers. Its average milk yield is 1,600–1,800 litres (350–400 imp gal; 420–480 US gal). The fat content of the milk is about 8–10 per cent. The best animals of this breed are found in Anand, Kaira and Baroda districts of Gujarat.[1]

Sickle shape horn is its characteristic feature.

Characteristics of the breed

The Surti buffalo is of medium size and docile temperament. The breed has got a fairly broad and long head with a convex shape at the top in between horns. Horns are sickle-shaped and flat which grow in a downward & backward direction and then upwards at the tip forming a hook. The skin is black or brown. Surti breed has a unique straight back. Good specimens have two white collars.

Performance of the breed

Average milk production:-

  • Ist Lactation:-1500-1600 kg
  • Other than Ist Lactation:- 1900–2000 kg

Fat:- 7 to 7.5%

SNF:- 9 to 9.15%

Age at Ist calving:- 45 to 47 months

Calving interval:- 400 to 425 days

Breeding period:- Seasonal (Sept. to April)

References

  1. ^ Breed data sheet: Surti. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed September 2013.