Question

Which of the following breeds of buffalo has maximum milk fat percentage in its milk?
(A) Nagpuri
(B) Bhadawari
(C) Mehsana
(D) Murrah

Answer 1

Milk is a nutrient rich liquid which is produced in the mammary glands of the mammals. Usually, milk from cattle is used for human consumption and for the production of dairy based products. In many cases, the native breeds are crossed with foreign breeds in order to improve the quality, quantity and the fat percentage of the milk. The significance of buffalo milk varies from species to species.

Complete Answer:
- Water buffaloes are a large group of bovines which have originated in the Indian subcontinent, China and Southeast Asia. They are also known as domestic water buffalo or Asian water buffalo. There are different varieties of water buffaloes and they are in high demand. Humans depend on water buffaloes largely than the other bovines, as they have sturdy body structure, provide milk with maximum fat content and protein.
- Water buffaloes are categorised into two types, based on the habitat, namely river buffaloes and swampy buffaloes. They mainly feed on aquatic plants and provide a rich amount of green fodder to get the desired quality and quantity of milk.
- The Indian subcontinent holds most of the river buffaloes and swampy buffaloes are found in Assam and China provinces. There are totally twenty two different types of river buffaloes in Indian subcontinent, each breed known for its unique characteristic features. Few of the river buffaloes are Bhadawari, Murrah, Mehsana, Nagpuri, Surti, etc.
- Murrah buffaloes are known for their high milk yielding capacity, whereas Mehsana buffaloes are considered to be one of the best milk breeds in India. They are obtained by crossing Murrah and Surti breed types.
- Nagpuri buffaloes are confined to Maharashtra and are known for their ability to withstand adverse climatic conditions. They are mostly used for draught purposes. Bhadawari buffaloes domesticated in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh regions are known for producing milk with a high percentage of fat. They often attract farmers of other countries for breeding activities, as they possess unique and significant characters.

Understanding the options one by one,
(A) Nagpuri – Known for their ability to withstand adverse climatic conditions.
(B) Bhadawari – Known for producing milk with high fat and protein. Hence, this is the correct answer.
(C) Mehsana – Known for producing a high yield of milk.
(D) Murrah – Known for their high milk yielding capacity.

Therefore, Option (B) is correct.

Note: Each variety of water buffaloes are known for its unique characteristic feature. It is essential to remember the specific breed and its significant role in milk production. Among the twenty two varieties of water buffaloes, Bhadawari buffaloes are known for producing milk with maximum percentage of butter fat, which ranges from 6% to 12%.