Approach on Milk yield of Buffalo Herds

Buffalo herds are an important part of the agricultural economy but, unfortunately, this production chain is still not valued as such in some countries, presenting yields lower than expected. This review of the literature aims at discussing the importance of buffalo herds for the milk production in several countries and the need for increasing the production yields of this species. Buffaloes are even more important for the economies of developing countries, where the economic activity is based primarily on agriculture as in some Asian countries. Although all buffalo parts can be commercially explored, buffalo milk derivatives are the most profitable. Therefore, maximizing the yields of both meat and milk is highly desirable.


Introduction
Buffalo breeding is a highly important economic activity where it is practiced since buffalo farms employ rural labor, decreasing rural exodus and increasing the exploration of areas previously considered unsuitable for agricultural production Bernardes [1] Buffaloes are increasingly raised for the meat and hides since the meat has high protein content Andrighetto [2], Bernardes [1]; Nanda; Nakao, [3] and fatty acids of lower atherogenicity Bernardes [1]. In addition, leather, horns, and horsehair are used by the industry and in handicraft work Nanda and Nakao, [3]. Also, buffalo milk has excellent organoleptic quality and its high addedvalue makes dairy production highly profitable Nanda, Nakao [3]; Bernardes, [1]; Andrighetto, [2]; Borghese [4]. Finally, buffaloes are used as animal traction for works in the field Nanda, Nakao [3] while dry buffalo manure can be used to generate energy Ferreira [5]. This literature review aims at discussing the importance of buffalo breeding in several countries and the need for productivity increase of this species.
The economy of most Asian countries is based on agriculture, with approximately 60-80% of the population working in rural activities, especially cattle raising. Buffaloes are very important in this scenario for producing milk, meat, and leather, and for working as animal traction in the fields for thousands of years Nanda, Nakao [3] while also contributing to the environment by providing organic fertilizer obtained from the dry manure Ferreira [5]. Buffaloes are essential for the socio-economic development of developing countries, especially for the small producers in Asia. Buffaloes are raised for milk production in southern Asia, and animal traction in the east, being also suitable for milk and meat production. The Asian buffalo herds may be easily expanded, especially due to the incentive and support received from the national and international development agencies Nanda, Nakao [3]. On the other hand, the buffalo population decrease observed in the first group of countries is related to rural mechanization, the inexpressive market for buffalo products Borghese [4], increasing industrialization and demand for meat, and non-replacement of slaughtered animals Borghese [6]. In China, the buffalo milk industry is growing with great potential for developing and becoming a strong pillar in the agricultural expansion and rural economy of the country Yang [8].
In order to avoid the decrease of the buffalo population observed in some countries in Europe and the Middle East, a few preventive steps are required such as determining the market demand for buffalo products, improving feeding and reproductive management by using high quality semen, and developing/using modern technologies for meat and milk processing Borghese [4].
India houses 95 million buffaloes, 56.5% of the world buffalo population, ranking first in buffalo milk production in the world with 134 million tons. It is also the most prosperous country in Asia regarding buffalo development from the viewpoint of science and technology, production, reproduction, nutrition and breeding (Borghese, 2005). In the 19th century, about 200 buffaloes originating from Asia, the Caribbean and Europe, especially Italy, were introduced in Brazil. The herd increased to 495,000 buffaloes in 1980; the annual growth of 10.86% between 1961 and 1980 demonstrates the great adaptive capacity of the species Bernardes [1]. Between 2010 and 2011, the buffalo population increased 7.8%, especially in the North and Northeast regions Ferreira [5].
The largest buffalo population in the country with 520 thousand animals is observed in Para Ibge [9].
Currently, the buffalo population consists of approximately three million animals, 30% of which are destined for milk production, according to the Brazilian Association of Buffalo Breeders (Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Búfalos -ABCB). The national production of buffalo milk is 92.3 million liters, of which 45 million are processed into 18.5 thousand tons of dairy products, being a good source of revenue for dairy farmers and breeders Bernardes [1]. The meat production chain is less expressive compared to milk; however, its commercialization is underestimated since buffalo meat is often sold as cattle Andrighetto [2]. Although not much has been invested in the genetic improvement of the species, buffalo herds have grown over the years, a trend that is expected to continue in much of the world. The optimization of buffalo performance requires new technologies, such as using artificial insemination with high-quality animal semen, leading to genetic improvement; improving feed management and quality; training specialized labor Memon, Khushk [7] Andrighetto [2]. Furthermore, a legislation for the production of milk and high-quality derivatives should be elaborated as to increase the competitiveness of the consumer market, including the external market Andrighetto [2].

Conclusion
Buffaloes are very important for the economies of developing countries, where the economy is largely based on agriculture, as in some Asian countries. Although all buffalo parts can be used and commercialized, the milk derivatives are the most profitable.
Therefore, maximizing the yields of both meat and milk are highly desirable [10].