Paralakhemundi

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 D(1987) and Ray et al (1999) are at par with above findings.