Kalahandi

This breed is known as Kalahandi in Orissa and Peddakimedi in Andhra Pradesh. These buffaloes are seen in whole Gajapati district and a part of Ganjam and Rayagada district in Orissa, besides adjoining hilly regions of Andhra Pradesh. Reaction zone of Paralakhemundi buffaloes is quite distinct with strangers. Coat colour of these animals ranges from black to blackish grey. These buffaloes have flat foreheads with golden hairs on it. Quite a few animals are characterized with unique whitish marks as necklace in the neck region. Besides the use of this buffalo for milk and draft purpose, the horns are used in making handicrafts and house hold items, which adds to the economic utility of these buffaloes in the native tract. Females drop their first calf at about 4 years of age with life time calvings of 7 to 8 times with an average calving interval of 18 months. Paralakhemundi buffaloes are moderate milk yielders having average daily milk yield of 2.6 lt. and average lactation yield of 737 lt. in 285 lactation days. These buffaloes are known for their working ability and disease resistance in the native tract (Dash et al, 2009). The findings of Patro and Das (1987) and Ray et al (1999) are at par with above findings.

Average body measurement and body weight of Kalahandi buffaloes .

Traits     Sex          Kalahandi
Height at withers(cm) M 125.94±1.46
F 123.77±1.56
Body length (cm) M 124.12±1.39
F 122.16±1.41
Heart girth (cm) M 177.13±1.25
F 172.11±1.31
Punch girth (cm) M 173.23±1.22
F 169.12±1.33
Horn length (cm) M 49.34±0.51
F 50.12±0.57
Tail length (cm) M 72.51±0.88
F 72.67±0.98
Body weight (kg) M 377.63±3.36
F 350.90±3.24

Traits

        Kalahandi

Age at puberty (days)

1152.66±8.22

Age at first calving (days)

1512.23±6.83

Service period (days)

224.15±2.22

Calving interval (days)

532.05±2.34

Gestation period (days)

308.76±1.12

Life time no. of calvings

7-8

Traits

    1st Lactation

   Overall Lactation

Daily Milk Yield (lt.)

2.46±0.05

2.92±0.06

Lactation Length (days)

276.44±2.66

281.61±2.63

Lactation Yield (lt)

680.04

823.16

Fat%

7.86±0.01

8.07±0.01

SNF%

8.64±0.01

8.65±0.01