There are very strong bonds between the mother and her calf. If the calf is a male, the bond holds for approximately 2 to 3 years. Thereafter the calf is driven from the clan. In the case of a female calf, the bond exists for life.Shortly before parturition the mother moves away to give birth alone. Within 30 minutes after the calf is born all members of the clan has “inspected” the newborn and touched it with their noses. Nearly all members of the group have come from this inspection. This inspection seems to serve as an introduction of the newly born. It also facilitates adoption of the calf if the mother should die. Adoptions always occur among buffalos whereas it is hardly seen in other species.

The calf walks with its mother as soon as it can stand. This behavior is different from cattle where the cow leaves its calf to go grazing. Nursing of the calves is common among buffaloes. The calves are left with a “care-taking-animal” who is often a female, but seldom a young bull. The other females go away to graze and leave their calves. Should there be a threat to the calves, they will simply call and their mothers will come running to their aid.

Source : Buffalo Milk Production – Introduction to buffaloes