Toda Buffalo
Toda buffalo is a semi-wild breed of buffalo found in the Nilgiri Hills of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Among the Indian buffaloes, it is a unique breed and forms a genetically isolated population.
| Physical Characteristics | Long body with broad and deep chest, head is heavy and large with short and stout limbs; neck region consists of two chevron markings; long, slim tail with black switch; face is short and wide with a broad concave forehead |
| Personality | Gregarious in nature; sometimes becomes aggressive to strangers |
| Size | Medium |
| Skin Color | Ash gray |
| Hair | Whole of the body contains thick hair coat, crest of the neck contains thick hair growth, much like a mane |
| Horns | Large crescent-shaped, wide apart, curved outward and upward to form a semi-circle; tip is sharp |
| Weight | Around 380 kg |
| Height | Adult male: Around 160 cm Adult female: Around 150 cm |
| Uses | Milk production |
| Milk Production | 700 liters with 8% milk fat |
| Lactation Period | 200 to 250 days |
| Calving | First calving at around 4 years of age |
| Country of Origin | India |
History
The breed is named after the ancient Toda tribe who reared the animal for dairy products. The Toda people inhabit the Nilgiri plateau and led a pastoral life based on the dairy products of the buffalo which they traded with other peoples of the Nilgiri Hills. Their religion revolves around the sacred buffalo and rituals are carried out for the dairy activities.
Interesting Facts
- The buffalo is considered to be quite powerful, and when situation demands they fight against wild animals as a team.
- Their herds are usually small, and mainly comprises of few females, seldom with one or two males. The Toda bulls are known to confine to dense forests, coming out during the breeding season.
