Buffalo Population Research Articles

Context-dependent costs and benefits of tuberculosis resistance traits in a wild mammalian host.

Disease acts as a powerful driver of evolution in natural host populations, yet individuals in a population often vary in their susceptibility to infection. Energetic trade‐offs between immune and reproductive investment lead to the evolution of distinct life history strategies, driven by the relative fitness costs and benefits of resisting infection. However, examples quantifying the cost of resistance outside of the laboratory are rare. Here, we observe two distinct forms of resistance to bovine tuberculosis (bTB), an important zoonotic pathogen, in a free‐ranging African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population. We characterize these phenotypes as “infection resistance,” in which hosts delay or prevent infection, and “proliferation resistance,” in which the host limits the spread of lesions caused by the pathogen after infection has occurred. We found weak evidence that infection resistance to bTB may be heritable in this buffalo population (h 2 = 0.10) and comes at the cost of reduced body condition and marginally reduced survival once infected, but also associates with an overall higher reproductive rate. Infection‐resistant animals thus appear to follow a “fast” pace‐of‐life syndrome, in that they reproduce more quickly but die upon infection. In contrast, proliferation resistance had no apparent costs and was associated with measures of positive host health—such as having a higher body condition and reproductive rate. This study quantifies striking phenotypic variation in pathogen resistance and provides evidence for a link between life history variation and a disease resistance trait in a wild mammalian host population.

A study to identify the practices of the buffalo keepers which inadvertently lead to the spread of brucellosis in Delhi

BackgroundIndia has the largest Buffalo population in the world, with every household in rural India owning buffaloes depending upon daily milk requirement – dairy farmers can own between 10 to 70 buffaloes. The health of Indian buffaloes is of economic importance since India is one of the largest buffalo meat exporters in the world, and Indian Buffalo semen is sold in the USA for breeding purposes. However, National Control Program on brucellosis is only active in South India and in Panjab (a North Indian state with high human brucellosis incidence). Our aim was to assess the knowledge and practices of the buffalo keepers of Delhi that make them susceptible to brucellosis.ResultsAmongst all the 11 districts of Delhi, there was 0% awareness about brucellosis and also about the S19 vaccine as the buffalo keepers had never heard of S19 vaccine which is available at minimal cost from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India. Majority of the respondents drink raw milk, sleep in cattle sheds, do not isolate sick cattle, do not test buffaloes blood for any disease before purchasing them, apply intrauterine medication with bare hands to buffalo after abortion of foetus, never clean their cattle sheds with a disinfectant and believe that they can only acquire skin infections from cattle. All of these habits make them prone to brucellosis. While about 20 to 27% of respondents reported a history of abortions and retained placenta, disposed of the placenta with bare hands, and applied raw milk on cracked lips. It was surprising to note that majority of them never reared small ruminants like sheep and goat with buffaloes or Bos species as they were aware of the rapid spread of disease from small to big ruminants.ConclusionsWe found that buffalo keepers were ignorant of brucellosis, its causative agent, relevant vaccines and that they also involved in high-risk activities. As such, our findings highlight a need for buffalo keepers to be better educated via several awareness camps to minimize human exposure to Brucella in Delhi.

Y-chromosome haplotype analysis revealing multiple paternal origins in swamp buffaloes of China and Southeast Asia.

To further probe into the paternal origins and domestication area of swamp buffaloes, we examined Y-chromosome diversity of 482 bulls representing 22 populations from China and Southeast Asia. A total of 40 bovine Y-chromosome-specific microsatellite (Y-STR) markers were screened in this study. The results showed that seven Y-STR markers (UMN2405, UMN0504, UMN0103, UMN1307, BC1.2, UMN0304 and INRA008) were specific and polymorphic in male swamp buffaloes, which can define 9 Y-haplotypes corresponding to four Y-haplogroups (Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4). Haplogroup Y1 was predominant (83.4%) in all swamp buffalo populations, indicating haplogroup Y1 was the major domestication event of swamp buffalo. In addition, the abundant genetic background and backbone of haplogroup Y1 suggested Yangtze Valley as the major domestication area of swamp buffalo. Interestingly, haplogroup Y4 was only confined in Hainan Island which was more ancient than other haplogroups. We hypothesized that haplogroup Y4 was the descendants of the wild Asian buffalo trapped on Hainan Island in prehistoric glacier period and preserved by later introgression into domesticated cows after the domestication. In conclusion, our findings revealed four divergent paternal origins in swamp buffaloes based on Y-STR markers.

New insights into the spatial genetic structure of the Indian riverine buffalo populations

Several programmes for the genetic improvement and conservation Indian buffalo breeds have been implemented by various agencies since 1970. These programmes may have shaped the present genetic diversity and thereby the evolutionary potential of buffalo populations across India. In this study, we attempted to provide an insight into the contemporary genetic structure of buffaloes by simultaneously analyzing the genetic and geospatial data. A battery of 100 microsatellite markers was genotyped across 1055 buffalo samples representing different geographical regions of the country. Bayesian and multivariate approaches were used for analyses. Although the clustering results from the different approaches were not convergent, these methods were able to identify sub-structuring within the UP buffalo population. In our study BAPS was able to distinguish most of the buffalo breeds with better spatial distribution. The genetic structuring detected in our study is mainly characterised by isolation by distance and also reflects the effect of improvement programmes. Our analysis suggested genetic connectivity of Murrah and Nili-Ravi with several buffalo breeds, as they have been used for breed improvement. The information may be useful in identifying ecologically distinct or connected populations for future improvement and conservation programmes.

DGAT1 polymorphism in Riverine buffalo, Swamp buffalo and crossbred buffalo.

This Research Communication describes the polymorphisms in the coding region of DGAT1 gene in Riverine buffalo, Swamp buffalo and crossbred buffalo, and associations between polymorphisms and milk production performance in Riverine buffalo. Two polymorphisms of DGAT1were identified, located in exon 13 and exon 17, respectively. The distribution of the genotypes of the two SNP loci in different buffalo population varied, especially the polymorphism located in exon 13 which was not found in the Swamp buffalo. Moreover, SNP located in exon 17 was a nonsynonymous switch resulting in the animo acid sequence changed from an arginine (Arg) to a histidine (His) at position 484. Both SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and the polymorphism of g.8330T>C in the exon 13 was significantly associated with peak milk yield, total milk yield and protein percentage. The C variant was associated with an increase in milk yield and peak yield but less in protein percentage compared with the T variant. The polymorphisms of g.9046T>C in exon 17 were significantly associated with fat percentage, in that the buffaloes with TT genotype had a significantly higher fat percentage than those with CC genotype. These findings reveal the difference in the genetic evolution of the DGAT1 between Riverine buffalo and Swamp buffalo, and provide evidence that the DGAT1 gene has potential effects for Riverine buffalo milk production traits, which can be used as a candidate gene for marker-assisted selection in buffalo breeding.

A Synthesis of Livestock Population and Production Dynamics of Jalna District of Maharashtra: Current Status and Future Vision

The livestock population estimates of Jalna district show that the sex composition of crossbred cattle and buffalo has shifted in favour of females and the male buffalo population is in the process of erosion and being replaced by females. This is desirable for rise in milk production in the district. Further, there has been decline in livestock population in Jalna district in 2007 as against 2003. The decline in livestock population in Jalna district is not only due to decline in cattle population but also due to sharp decline in sheep, goat and pig population. The estimates also show much lower annual rate of growth in milk production in the district of Jalna as against growth in the same in Marathwada region and Maharashtra state during the last two decades. However, egg production in Jalna district has grown at faster rate as against growth in the same in Marathwada region and Maharashtra state during the last two decades. Therefore, while the district of Jalna is in comfortable position in egg production, it has to do lot of catching in milk production.

Trace mineral status of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from North-West Himalayan region in relation to fodder levels

To know the status of trace minerals in buffaloes from various agro-climatic zones of Jammu division, a baseline survey was conducted. A total of 193 buffalo blood and 169 fodder samples offered during various seasons were collected and analyzed. The average values of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Co in buffalo plasma samples were 14.86, 31.27, 56.05, 1.98 and 3.35 μmol/l, respectively. Sub-clinical deficiency of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn was recorded among 34.42, 3.22, 7.05 and 11.97% buffalo population. Fodder sample analysis revealed wide variation in the level of trace elements among different fodders and also areas. Level of iron in fodders was adequate; however, Cu deficiency was prevalent among corn stover (55.55%), fodder tree leaves (50%) and Pennisatum typhoides (22.22%). Zn deficiency was recorded among Sorgum spp. (68.75%), corn stover (66.66%), wheat straw (82.5%), Pennisatum typhoides (37.5%), tree leaves (33.33%) and Trifolium alexandrium (15.38%). Mn deficiency was recorded among Sorgum spp. (62.5%), corn stover (66.66%), wheat straw (30.76%) and Pennisatum typhoides (44.44%). Study concluded that area specific mineral mixtures need to be supplemented for enhancing the productive and reproductive potential of buffaloes.

Mathematics of FIV and BTB dynamics in buffalo and lion populations at Kruger National Park

A new deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in lion‐buffalo population is designed and used to gain insight into the transmission dynamics of the two diseases in the population. The model is shown to undergo a backward bifurcation (a dynamic phenomenon characterized by the coexistence of the stable disease‐free equilibrium and a stable endemic equilibrium when the associated reproduction number of the model is less than unity). Two sources for this dynamic phenomenon, namely, the BTB reinfection of exposed buffalos and the BTB‐FIV co‐infection of lions, have been identified. It is shown that, for the special case of the model when backward bifurcation does not occur, the disease‐free equilibrium of the resulting model is globally‐asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. Numerical simulations of the model, using initial and demographic data relevant to the BTB‐FIV dynamics in Kruger National Park, show that control strategies, such as the isolation of lions with FIV symptoms or the treatment of lions and buffalos with BTB symptoms, can lead to the effective control or elimination of the disease in the lion‐buffalo population if their effectiveness level is high enough. The time to elimination of any of the two diseases is significantly reduced if the strategies are combined.

THE POLYMORPHISM OF THE POPULATION OF THE UKRAINIAN RIVER BUFFALO AT MICROSATELLITE DNA LOCI

THE POLYMORPHISM OF THE POPULATION OF THE UKRAINIAN RIVER BUFFALO AT MICROSATELLITE DNA LOCI

Water buffalo production in Turkey part 2: products, economic profitability and future perspectives

Livestock is an important source of meat and milk with its significant share in the world's total calories and protein consumption. There has been a substantial increase in the consumption of livestock products in the last decades at a global level. Buffalo have a large and growing share of the global livestock sector. However, buffalo are no longer an important part of the livestock sector of Turkey for various socioeconomic and political reasons. Turkish Government has taken some serious measures to revive the buffalo population in the country. The economic profitability of buffalo is manifold as it not only serves as draught animal but also provides milk, meat and hides. Lack of scientific research activities and improper marketing strategies, along with inadequate perception and knowledge of farmers, are the main constraints to buffalo production in Turkey. Organised and well-developed strategies are required to revive and utilise the potential of buffalo products in Turkey.

New Insights on Water Buffalo Genomic Diversity and Post-Domestication Migration Routes From Medium Density SNP Chip Data.

The domestic water buffalo is native to the Asian continent but through historical migrations and recent importations, nowadays has a worldwide distribution. The two types of water buffalo, i.e., river and swamp, display distinct morphological and behavioral traits, different karyotypes and also have different purposes and geographical distributions. River buffaloes from Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, Mozambique, Brazil and Colombia, and swamp buffaloes from China, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Brazil were genotyped with a species-specific medium-density 90K SNP panel. We estimated the levels of molecular diversity and described population structure, which revealed historical relationships between populations and migration events. Three distinct gene pools were identified in pure river as well as in pure swamp buffalo populations. Genomic admixture was seen in the Philippines and in Brazil, resulting from importations of animals for breed improvement. Our results were largely consistent with previous archeological, historical and molecular-based evidence for two independent domestication events for river- and swamp-type buffaloes, which occurred in the Indo-Pakistani region and close to the China/Indochina border, respectively. Based on a geographical analysis of the distribution of diversity, our evidence also indicated that the water buffalo spread out of the domestication centers followed two major divergent migration directions: river buffaloes migrated west from the Indian sub-continent while swamp buffaloes migrated from northern Indochina via an east-south-eastern route. These data suggest that the current distribution of water buffalo diversity has been shaped by the combined effects of multiple migration events occurred at different stages of the post-domestication history of the species.

Sero-prevalence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife species at a wildlife/livestock interface area of Zimbabwe.

A study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle and some selected wildlife species at selected interface areas at the periphery of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in Zimbabwe. Three study sites were selected based on the type of livestock-wildlife interface, porous livestock-wildlife interface (unrestricted), non-porous livestock-wildlife interface (restricted by fencing), and livestock-wildlife non-interface (totally absent or control). Sera were collected from cattle aged ≥ 2years representing both female and intact male. Sera were also collected from selected wild ungulates from Mabalauta (porous interface) and Chipinda Pools (non-interface) areas of the Gonarezhou National Park. Sera were tested for antibodies to Chlamydia abortus using a CFT. A X 2 test was used to assess differences between categories and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. In cattle, the overall seroprevalence was 32.7% (327/1011; 95% CI 29.5-35.3). A significantly lower seroprevalence was recorded for the porous interface (24.2%) compared to the non-porous (42.5%) (p < 0.0001) and the non-interface (36.2%) (p = 0.001). Overall, the wet season recorded a significantly (p = 0.015) higher seroprevalence than the dry season. In wildlife, antibodies were detected in buffaloes (47.7%) and impalas (43.8%) but not in kudus. Buffaloes from Chipinda Pools (53.4%) had a significantly (p = 0.036) higher seroprevalence than those from Mabalauta (26.1%). The results established the presence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife and that independent infections may be maintained in buffalo populations. Further studies are required to clarify chlamydiae circulating between cattle and wildlife.

Allelic diversity of butyrophilin (BTN1A1) gene in Indian bovines

Indian milch bovines comprises of 58.56% of total livestock population (512.05 million) in the country and primarily includes native and crossbred cattle (37.28%) and water buffaloes (21.28%). Milk and milk products are essential food items of Indian diet especially in children, old and senile. Milk fat is an important constituent of milk and has an economic value and its percentage in milk varies betweem species and breeds within species. Butyrophilin (BTN1A1) a membrane protein regulates secretion of lipids and size of a fat globule in milk. Present study was conducted in 538 bovines of 11 breeds/populations adapted to different parts of India, with an aim to screen and determine the major allele of BTN1A1 gene using PCR-RFLP based test. Results indicate that exon 8 of BTN1A1 gene is polymorphic in Tharparkar, Sahiwal, Jhari and Belahi populations of native cattle and Holstein Friesian and Jersey crossbreds where as the same exon was monomorphic in Murrah, Chilika, Gojri, Chhattisgarhi and Bargur populations of water buffalo. We conclude that variations in BTN1A1 gene can serve as an excellent genetic marker while selecting cows for higher milk fat and can be applied while formulating their breeding plans.

Genetic responsiveness of African buffalo to environmental stressors: A role for epigenetics in balancing autosomal and sex chromosome interactions?

In the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population of the Kruger National Park (South Africa) a primary sex-ratio distorter and a primary sex-ratio suppressor have been shown to occur on the Y chromosome. A subsequent autosomal microsatellite study indicated that two types of deleterious alleles with a negative effect on male body condition, but a positive effect on relative fitness when averaged across sexes and generations, occur genome-wide and at high frequencies in the same population. One type negatively affects body condition of both sexes, while the other acts antagonistically: it negatively affects male but positively affects female body condition. Here we show that high frequencies of male-deleterious alleles are attributable to Y-chromosomal distorter-suppressor pair activity and that these alleles are suppressed in individuals born after three dry pre-birth years, likely through epigenetic modification. Epigenetic suppression was indicated by statistical interactions between pre-birth rainfall, a proxy for parental body condition, and the phenotypic effect of homozygosity/heterozygosity status of microsatellites linked to male-deleterious alleles, while a role for the Y-chromosomal distorter-suppressor pair was indicated by between-sex genetic differences among pre-dispersal calves. We argue that suppression of male-deleterious alleles results in negative frequency-dependent selection of the Y distorter and suppressor; a prerequisite for a stable polymorphism of the Y distorter-suppressor pair. The Y distorter seems to be responsible for positive selection of male-deleterious alleles during resource-rich periods and the Y suppressor for positive selection of these alleles during resource-poor periods. Male-deleterious alleles were also associated with susceptibility to bovine tuberculosis, indicating that Kruger buffalo are sensitive to stressors such as diseases and droughts. We anticipate that future genetic studies on African buffalo will provide important new insights into gene fitness and epigenetic modification in the context of sex-ratio distortion and infectious disease dynamics.

Ancient diversity and geographical sub-structuring in African buffalo Theileria parva populations revealed through metagenetic analysis of antigen-encoding loci

An infection and treatment protocol involving infection with a mixture of three parasite isolates and simultaneous treatment with oxytetracycline is currently used to vaccinate cattle against Theileria parva. While vaccination results in high levels of protection in some regions, little or no protection is observed in areas where animals are challenged predominantly by parasites of buffalo origin. A previous study involving sequencing of two antigen-encoding genes from a series of parasite isolates indicated that this is associated with greater antigenic diversity in buffalo-derived T. parva. The current study set out to extend these analyses by applying high-throughput sequencing to ex vivo samples from naturally infected buffalo to determine the extent of diversity in a set of antigen-encoding genes. Samples from two populations of buffalo, one in Kenya and the other in South Africa, were examined to investigate the effect of geographical distance on the nature of sequence diversity. The results revealed a number of significant findings. First, there was a variable degree of nucleotide sequence diversity in all gene segments examined, with the percentage of polymorphic nucleotides ranging from 10% to 69%. Second, large numbers of allelic variants of each gene were found in individual animals, indicating multiple infection events. Third, despite the observed diversity in nucleotide sequences, several of the gene products had highly conserved amino acid sequences, and thus represent potential candidates for vaccine development. Fourth, although compelling evidence for population differentiation between the Kenyan and South African T. parva parasites was identified, analysis of molecular variance for each gene revealed that the majority of the underlying nucleotide sequence polymorphism was common to both areas, indicating that much of this aspect of genetic variation in the parasite population arose prior to geographic separation.

Estimasi Potensi Pembibitan Ternak Kerbau di Kecamatan Ulakan Tapakis Kabupaten Padang Pariaman Provinsi Sumatera Barat, Indonesia (THE ESTIMATION POTENTIAL LIVESTOCK BREEDING OF BUFFALO IN ULAKAN TAPAKIS DISTRICT, PADANG PARIAMAN REGENCY, WEST SUMATRA PR

This study aimed to determine the potential of buffaloes in Ulakan Tapakis sub-district to produce calves and its viability as a source buffaloes. Casus and questionnaire are used in this study in which three sub-district characterized by high, medium and low buffalo population are chosen quota sampling. The observed variables in this study are the identity of the breeder and the buffalo. The development of buffalo population was analyzed using breeding theory approach. The average increase of the population was analyzed using a time series analysis. The results showed that Net Replacement Rate (NRR) value in male and female of 157.31% and 191.27% and the natural increase (NI) value of 23.66% indicating a moderate increase of the population. This study also shows that the population of buffaloes in the region is sufficient to cover its need. Male and female seed potencial of 4.55% and 5.33% of the population. On average the increase population of buffalo from 2011 to 2015 annual of as much as 172.75 head or 16.53%. Estimated population of buffaloes in 2016 and 2020 as in 1675 head and 2183 head eith average increase population as much as 63 head or 3.40%.

Determinant of Household Business Scale of Moa Buffaloes at Moa Island Southwest Maluku Regency

The objective of this research was to analyze factors that affect the business scale of Moa buffaloes at Moa Island, Regency of Southwest Maluku. The research used a survey method with multistage random sampling. The location chosen was the District of Moa Lakor at Moa Island based on its largest buffalo population. Respondents were randomly drawn in a total of 120 respondents. The variables measured were years of experience in rearing animals, costs of production, farmer’s participation in group activities, animal housing systems, farmer’s income and farmer’s age. The statistical test used was the multiple linear regressions. The results showed that the mean of business scale in the area of high density of buffaloes population was 12.6 AU, in the moderate was 12.4 AU and in the low was 11.0 AU. The average of production cost was IDR 1.893.536.00/year, the average of revenue was IDR14.083.333.00/year, while the average of income was IDR 12.189.797.00/year. The independent variables simultaneously influence the business scale (P<0.01). Partially, experience, costs of production, participation and housing systems had highly significant influences on the business scale (P<0.01).

Mesopotamian Buffaloes: Endangered Genetic Resource, Review

The water buffalo of Iraq are river type (Bubalus bubalis), some scholars think they are most closely related to the water buffalo of India, but white patches which is rather common on the foreheads indicate some influence of Nile breed, this latter influence of course could be quite recent (ALhamadany, 2015), while recent molecular studies referred indicated that Mesopotamian buffaloes were from River type and large animal as well well very large variation between animals and buffalo populations due to absent of genetic improvement (Jaayid and Hamd). There were many historical and archeological studies that had different debate about Mesopotamian buffalo origin still need more molecular genetic studies [1]. Buffalo breeders (Maadan), in Iraq represents living descendants of the ancient Sumerians, divided to Nomads and Villagers [2]. These ancient genetic recourses in Iraq, go through many drastic impacts during three decades, environmental, economical and wars, lead to decline of population and breeders displacement [3], that need conservation plans to be adopted and protect this ancient animal, which achieved by Ministry of Agriculture. Baghdad, involved Artificial Insemination project, sponsored by FAO and supported breeders by loans.

Study on growth traits at weaning and yearling stages of indigenous and F1 crossbred buffalo in Bangladesh

This study was planned to clarify the variation of body weight and average daily gain traits in both indigenous and F1 crossbreed (Local×Mediterranean) buffalo at weaning (sixth month) and yearling stages (twelfth month). Data were collected from 33 indigenous and 35 F1 crossbred buffalo progeny during the period of 2011 to 2014 with intensive management system at Research and Development farm of Lal Teer Livestock Limited in Bangladesh. The gathered data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM) and independent sample t test. The effect of parity, sex, season and breeding year on body weight and average daily gain were observed where significant values found in breeding period (p &lt;0.01) of crossbred buffalo for body weight. It might be the reason of crossbreeding to indigenous buffalo cows using imported semen with better genetic merit. The parity (p &lt;0.05), season (p &lt;0.05) and breeding period (p &lt;0.01) were also significant for average daily gain measurement which suggesting environmental adaptability beside additive genetic effects. Body weights were measured at weaning and yearling stages for both local (113 to 195 kg) and F1 crossbred (144 to 220 kg) buffalo progeny to screen the elite offspring for the Genetic Farm and Bull station. Similarly, average daily gain observed 469 to 457 g and 600 to 506 g at the previously mentioned two stages for both local and F1 buffalos, respectively. It was observed that studied traits were comparatively better in F1 buffalo progeny than indigenous. The comparison of average daily weight gains between indigenous and F1 buffalos at weaning and yearling periods showed significant differences for body weight (p &lt;0.001) and average daily gain (p &lt;0.05), respectively. It is concluded that genetic gain might be possible in local buffalo population by grading up process which could switch the traditional buffalo rearing to commercial level as well as meeting the nutritional demand of country people.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 499-503

Buffaloes for dairying in South Asia: potential, challenges and way forward

Buffalo is considered the dairy animal for 21st century due to its higher adaptability and productivity in the changing climatic conditions. There is a large diversity in the buffalo genetic resources and South Asia is home of high yielding source promising buffalo breed of Murrah and Nail Ravi. South Asia is inhabitant of 151.49 million buffalo populations out of 194.29 million of global populations. Besides, about 79.74 % of Asia and 77.9 % of world buffalo populations are inhabitant in South Asian countries. During the last decade, the world buffalo population has been increased by approximately 1.49% annually. South Asia is currently producing 100.74 million metric tons of buffalo milk which is about 96.05 % of Asia and 93.19 % of world buffalo milk production. The share of buffalo milk is around 51.07% of the total milk production of the South Asia. The contribution of buffalo milk in India, Nepal and Pakistan are 51.2%, 66.6% and 59.5% respectively in total milk production. Among the South Asian countries, maximum milk is produced by India followed by Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The productivity of buffalo has been recorded 410 kg-1buffalo-1year, 1880 kg-1buffalo- 1year, 1934 kg-1buffalo-1year and 867 kg-1buffalo-1year, 508 kg-1buffalo- 1year in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka respectively. Although most of the buffaloes are non-descript indigenous types and their production potential is not satisfactory. There are different production systems are prevailing such as zero input-low output, low input-medium output and high input-high output. Moreover, selective breeding for buffalo with the same breed under low input-medium output production system and grading up of non-descript buffaloes using improver breed/s under zero input-low output production system has been commonly practiced. The demand of milk has been increasing due to economic solvency and rapid pace of urbanization but most of the countries are deficit in production even it is challenging to meet the projected demand to achieve the SDG by 2030. To increase the productivity through genetic improvement of buffaloes could be important thrust areas to obtain projected demand of milk. Productive and reproductive efficiency can only be improved by adopting suitable breeding policies and good management practices.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 227-239 (2017)