The Surti is a breed of

water buffalo The water buffalo (''Bubalus bubalis''), also called the domestic water buffalo or Asian water buffalo, is a large bovid originating in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Today, it is also found in Europe, Australia, North America, So ...

found in the Kaira and Vadodara districts of

Gujarat Gujarat (, ) is a state along the western coast of India. Its coastline of about is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula. Gujarat is the fifth-largest Indian state by area, covering some ; and the ninth ...

between the Mahi and Sabarmati rivers. Its average milk yield is 1600-1800 litres. The fat content of the milk is about 8-10 percent. The best animals of this breed are found in Anand, Kaira and

Baroda Vadodara (), also known as Baroda, is the second largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Vadodara district and is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, from the state capital ...

districts of Gujarat. 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 got 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

Bovines Water buffalo breeds originating in India Animal husbandry in Gujarat Surat {{cattle-stub