Produção e manejo de búfalos: experienciando no campo e na pesquisa!

Abstract

This work aimed to discuss relevant aspects of buffalo farming and domestic buffalo. A large part of Brazilian society is unaware of Bubalus bubalis as a production animal and the importance of its products, especially meat, which is almost entirely sold as beef. Buffalo breeding is the fastest growing activity in Brazil and in the world among ruminant species, with buffalo milk being the second most produced milk on the planet. Buffalo are raised on all continents in production systems that vary between intensive and extensive. They are simple handling animals that are particularly docile and are often handled by women and children. The differentiated ability of buffaloes to use bulky, low-quality feed makes them production animals capable of being inserted in a more sustainable production context. Unfortunately, few universities and teaching institutions dedicate themselves to studying the buffalo and promoting buffalo breeding in Brazil.