Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani - 431 402, India.
Based upon the weighted averages for different production traits, various breeds can be grouped in four categories. The first being high yielders like Nili-Ravi, Murrah and Mehsana with the production potential of more than 1700 kg milk per lactation. Another group represented by medium sized Surti and Pandharpuri have the potential of around 1500 kg, while other Deccan breeds/types representing third group with capacity of around 1100 kg yield are also medium sized. While, the low producers like Kujang and Bhadawari produces around 900 kg milk in a lactation. The specialized dairy breeds attained longer lactation length of around 300 days, and Surti, Marathwadi, Pandharpuri and Nagpuri appears to have equivalent potential. As regards dry period the less developed breeds/types have lower dry period (120–140 days) which is a desirable character. However the data is inadequate to have valid conclusion. In fact most of the buffalo breeds/types remained out side the preview of development programme due to resource crunch, though they posses some desirable qualities. This invites attention of planners and scientists towards the undeveloped breeds/types for further exploration and also for the protection of our diversified genetic resources.
