Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Sep 13: Everyone knows about the Dharwad Pedas which just melt in our mouths. This Peda is universally known for its texture and taste. Likewise, Dharwad buffaloes have now won national recognition. The local species of buffaloes which were confined to the Dharwad region have now been awarded the status of a unique breed.

When a breed gets national recognition, normally their development gets momentum. Mudhol breed of dogs have got that importance. Now the Dharwad breed of buffaloes have been given the pride of place in the list of nationally recognised buffalo breeds. There were 17 breeds in the list, to which the Dharwadi breed has been added now.

The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources in Haryana has given registration No. India_Buffalo_0800_Dharwadi_01018 to this breed. Through this number, the Dharwadi breed of buffaloes will come to be identified the world over. The department of animal science of the University of Agriculture, Dharwad, has played a stellar role in winning this recognition. It conducted research between 2014 and 2017 and submitted its report.

Detailed study of these buffaloes has been conducted including their measurements, characteristics etc. The milk generation of buffaloes, procreation capacity etc have also been tested. Their blood samples were taken and research about their DNA was also conducted. Most of the buffaloes of this breed are found to be having horns that are half-moon shaped, and dark skin. A she-buffalo has the capacity to yield 980 litres of milk in one cycle and these animals can generate milk 335 days of a year. This milk has seven percent fat and has 9.5 percent non-fat soluble ingredients. Researcher Dr Vishwanath Kulkarni, expresses happiness at the recognition won by the breed.

This research was conducted when Dr Kulkarni was the head of the animal science department of the University of Agriculture here. The breed of buffaloes are spread over 14 districts. Gavali community people have, from generations, been raising buffaloes and eking out a living out of that. They are also happy about the national recognition these buffaloes have won.