When visiting villages or dairy farms, one might encounter black buffaloes with small, curved horns. However, few people know that a special breed of buffalo from India, known as Murra, has earned the nickname 'black gold.' This breed is distinguished not only by its black coat but also by its ability to produce large quantities of high-fat milk, making it extremely valuable in the dairy business.
According to data from the Central Institute of Buffalo Research (ICAR), Murra is called 'black gold' because it can become a source of income and financial stability for rural families.
The original habitat of the Murra buffalo is considered to be the outskirts of Rohtak, Hisar, and Jind in the state of Haryana. Furthermore, this breed is found in many parts of the country, including Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh. It is easily distinguishable by its glossy black color and small, tightly curled horns. The Murra body is strong and massive, and the udder is well-developed, which is critically important for milk production.
The main feature of the Murra buffalo is its ability to produce milk with a high fat content. According to ICAR-CIRB, the potential milk production of Murra over 305 days can range from 1003 to 2057 kilograms. With good care and proper management, some animals can produce even more. The milk fat content is about 6.9–8.3 percent.
Data from the National Dairy Research Institute indicates that the average daily milk yield of a Murra is about 7.5 kg, with peak daily figures reaching up to 22.5 kg. Nevertheless, the volume of milk depends on the breed, age, diet, health, and care of each buffalo, so claims of producing 20–30 liters daily online cannot be applied to all Murra buffaloes.
Buffalo milk generally contains more fat compared to cow's milk, and Murra milk is no exception. This advantage is utilized in the production of ghee, butter, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. An ICAR study showed that the fat content in Murra milk samples fluctuated approximately between 6.6 and 8 percent. This is why, in the dairy business, not only volume but also quality and milk fat percentage are important.
The significance of the Murra buffalo is not limited to India. Due to its high productivity and genetic qualities, it is used in other countries for breeding and improving breeds. According to ICAR-CIRB, Murra is popular internationally for crossbreeding and increasing productivity. Thus, the demand for it abroad is driven not only by milk but also by high-quality animals and their genetic material.
The direct reason it is called 'black gold' is that a good Murra buffalo can become a kind of mobile asset for the farmer. It provides milk that can be sold daily, and it also possesses value for breeding high-quality animals. It is precisely because of this economic significance that ICAR used the term 'black gold' in relation to Murra.
It is important to understand that any black buffalo cannot be called a Murra based solely on its color. Murra has its own specific characteristics. Its coat is usually dark black, its body is robust, and its horns are small and tightly curled backward and upward. To accurately identify the breed, it is not enough to look only at the color and horns; it is better to study the complete pedigree and animal records. Next time you see a glossy black buffalo, do not assume it is just an ordinary animal. If it is the Murra breed, it can be identified by its sturdy body, characteristic horns, and milk-producing ability. It is thanks to this milk production, good fat content, and economic utility that the Murra buffalo has earned the nickname 'black gold.'