Manda Buffalo: Odisha

Published: 13th Sep, 2021

Context

The Manda buffalo has been recognised as the 19th unique breed of buffaloes found in India by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).

About

About Manda Buffalo

Habitat: The buffalo are found in geographical distribution to hill ranges of Eastern Ghats and plateau of Koraput region.
- Both male and female of this breed are used for ploughing in their native habitat.
Characteristics: Manda have ash grey and grey coats with copper-coloured hair.
- The lower part of the legs up to elbow is light in colour with copper-colored hair at the knee.

Speciality of the Breed

Resistant to parasitic infections
Less prone to diseases
Can live, produce and reproduce at low or nil input systems

Other recognized breeds

NBAGR already received a recognition of
- One breed of sheep, Kendrapada
- Two breeds of buffalo - Chilika and Kalahandi
- Four breeds of cattle - Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari and Khariar

Significance of Recognition

With the national recognition, efforts will be made by the Centre and State for conservation of the unique buffalo genetic resource.
The conservation projects are in force for all the indigenous breeds in the State.

Binjharpuri cattle semen production and its use through artificial insemination is a remarkable achievement in the country in the field of conservation.

National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)

ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal is the nodal agency for the registration of newly identified germplasm of livestock and poultry of the country.
NBAGR undertakes the responsibility of evaluating, certifying and conserving the rich and varied germplasm resources available in the country and whose genetic base is shrinking fast.

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Manda Buffalo: Odisha