How to Identify A Pure Black Murrah Buffalo?
The Murrah buffalo is the undisputed king of the milk production industry in the heart of the Indian dairy industry. This breed, known as Black Gold, is the key to successful commercial dairy farming. But with the increasing demand of livestock with high yields, the number of mixed breeds being sold as purebreds is also on the rise.
On this blog, we will talk about the physical features, behavioral aspects and certain physiological indicators that will assist you in recognizing a Black Murrah Buffalo beyond any doubt.
What is a Black Murrah Buffalo?
It is an elite breed of domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) which is found in the Rohtak, Hisar and Jind districts of Haryana and the Nabha and Patiala districts of Punjab. It is known to be the most productive dairy buffalo breed in the world.
Even the name of the Murrah is a word that means curled, and it is so named due to the unique form of its horns. These animals are not only valued because of the volume of milk they can give, but also because of the high fat content in the milk which normally measures between 7-8%. To a dairy entrepreneur, an investment in a real Buffalo would guarantee a dairy animal that can yield 15 to 25 liters of milk per day under ideal management conditions.
How to Identify a Pure Black Murrah?
To determine a purebred animal one must have a sharp eye. The buffaloes that are sold by the sellers can be in many instances graded (crossbreeds) and sold as pure Murrahs. To be assured that you are purchasing a real Buffalo, you should look at the following distinguishing features:
1. The Jet Black Coat
The color is the most prominent aspect. A purebred Murrah is supposed to be jet-black. Although a small white patch (hair at the end of the tail) is occasionally tolerated, any large areas of white on the body, forehead or legs will tend to show that crossbreeding has taken place with other breeds such as the Nili-Ravi or local breeds.
2. Signature Curled Horns
- Horns: The horns are the "identity card" of this breed.
- Form: They are supposed to be short and curled in a spiral form.
- Direction: The horns grow out of the skull, slightly backwards and upwards, then twist inwards.
- Texture: As the animal matures, the curls can be a little more lax, although the spiral is still a major distinguishing feature of a Black Murrah Buffalo.
3. Body Structure and Conformation
- Body: A pure Black Murrah is a wedge-shaped, huge body.
- Head and Neck: Head is small and clean-cut. The neck of females is long and thin, but that of males is thick and powerful.
- Back: The back is wide and straight with a slight slope towards the tail.
- Skin: The skin is soft, thin and smooth in comparison to other buffalo breeds, which usually have rough and thick hides.
4. Udder and Milk Vein
- To the dairy purchaser, the mammary system is one of the giveaways of the purity of the breed.
- The udder must be well-formed, large and long-reaching.
- The teats must be squarely spaced and of the same length.
- A large, wavy (zigzag), belly milk vein is a good sign of a high yielding Black Murrah.
Technical Specifications: Purebred Murrah at a Glance
The following table summarizes the physical standards you should look for when inspecting the animal:
| Feature | Description of Purebred Standards |
| Color | Deep Jet Black (Skin and Hair) |
| Horns | Short, tightly and spirally curled |
| Head | Small, refined and elongated in females |
| Body Shape | Massive, wedge-shaped (heavy hindquarters) |
| Tail | Long, reaching the hocks; black switch preferred |
| Average Weight | 450–500 kg (Female); 550–750 kg (Male) |
Signs of Purity
Other than appearance, the temperament of the Black Murrah Buffalo is the minor yet significant indicator.
- Docility: Pure Murrahs are characterized by their docile and peaceful nature. They can be handled easily during milking and are not too aggressive.
- Awakening: They are alert and have a certain grace in the way they carry their heads, although they are calm.
Final Thoughts
Black Murrah Buffalo is a very profitable investment to any dairy farmer, as long as the animal is a pure breed. You can guarantee your investment by recognizing some of the distinctive features such as curled horns, jet-black skin, and wedge-shaped body.
Dairy Mitra assists you in finding your way through the market by linking you to suppliers who are verified. An authentic breed guarantees greater milk production and genetically desirable calves, creating a base of quality and future production in your dairy enterprise.
FAQs
Is it okay that a white patch appears on a purebred Murrah?
Large white spots on the body are a sign of mixed or crossbreed.
What is the personality of Black Murrah?
They are reputed to be very calm, docile and alert animals.
How does Dairy Mitra help in the buying process?
Dairy Mitra links suppliers with proven suppliers to guarantee purity of breeds.
Does Murrah breed resist diseases?
Yes, they have high natural resistance to most diseases of Indian livestock.
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