The Carabao buffalo is a swamp-type breed of domestic water buffalo which is native to the Philippines. It is considered the national animal of the Philippines.
Carabao is actually the Philippine English term for the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). And Carabao represents hard work in Philippines.
It is also the official animal of the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. During 300 to 200 BCE, water buffaloes were probably introduced to the Philippines by Malay immigrants.
The ultimate origin of the word “Carabao” is an unidentified Austroasiatic language via Malay. The female is called a caraballa.
The Indonesian Minangkabau people take the name of this breed from the cognate in their Malayic language, the Minangkabau language. Read some more information about this domestic buffalo breed below.
Origin and History
The carabao is actually a type of water buffalo and it is native to Southeast Asia (particularly the Philippines). It has a long history, and it is very important to Filipino culture and agriculture.
Carabaos were brought to the Philippines by Austronesian settlers thousands of years ago. And these animals have since become a symbol of strength and hard work in Filipino society.
They play a significant role in rural life and are often used as draft animals for farming and transportation. Carabaos have also been featured in Filipino folklore and art. And they have deep cultural significance in the country’s history.
Carabao Buffalo Characteristics
The Carabao buffalo has a low, wide and heavy build body. Their body coloration vary from light grey to slate grey. They have common chevrons, and their horns are sickle-shaped or curve backward toward the neck.
Average body height of the mature Carabao buffalo is between 127 and 137 cm for bulls, and between 124 and 129 cm for cows.
Average live body weight of the mature bulls is between 420 and 500 kg. And average live body weight of the mature cows is between 400 and 425 kg.
Housing Requirements
Housing requirements of the Carabaos is very simple. They generally need a simple but sturdy shelters/housing system to protect them from adverse weather conditions and also for staying at night.
You can make their housing system by using wood and bamboo with a thatched roof. Ensure that the house is spacious enough for the Carabaos. Also ensure good ventilation system to keep the air inside fresh.
Carabaos prefer a dry environment, so always try to keep the floor dry and clean. Ensure access to clean water for drinking and bathing, and doing this is essential.
Dietary Requirements
Unlike many other domestic animals, the Carabaos have simple dietary needs. They generally eat grass, hay, and other types of roughage. They also enjoy grazing on fresh green plants. However, it is important to provide a balanced diet to keep them strong and energetic.
Along with good food, Carabaos also need plenty of fresh water to drink every day to stay healthy and hydrated. Give them mineral supplements occassionally to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
Breeding/Reproduction
Breeding carabaos is very easy and simple. It is a natural process and your animals with do their job if you keep good ratio of male and females in your farm. Female carabaos (called cows or heifers) usually reach maturity and become able to breed at around two to three years of age.
On the other hand, the male carabaos (known as bulls) also reach maturity at a similar age. After successful mating, the female carabao carries the calf for about nine months before giving birth. Carabaos typically give birth to one calf at a time (although twins can occur rarely).
It is also essential to provide them with proper care and nutrition (to both the mother and calf) during pregnancy and after birth to ensure their good health and well-being.
Caring
Caring these animals is relatively easy and simple. Caring for a carabao involves providing it with proper food, water, shelter, and medical attention to keep it healthy and happy.
Carabaos need a balanced diet of grass, hay, and water to stay strong and energetic. They also require a strong and secure housing system to protect them from the weather.
Perform regular grooming and cleaning. And doing this will help to keep their skin and coat healthy. Also perform routine veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to prevent diseases and ensuring their well-being.
Behavior/Temperament
Carabaos are well known for their calm and gentle behavior. They are generally very obedient and hardworking animals. And they are often used for agricultural tasks like plowing fields or pulling carts.
They are large size and have great strength, but they are are usually docile and easy to handle. They have a strong bond with their owners. Although, they can become aggressive sometimes if they feel threatened or if they are mistreated.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of a carabao typically ranges from 15 to 20 years. Although, they can live even longer with proper care and nutrition
Popularity and Price
The carabaos are popular among many Filipinos. They are not just a working animal but also a symbol of strength and resilience. Carabaos remain popular among farmers and rural communities, mainly because of their significance in Philippine culture and agriculture.
It’s very tough to tell the exact price of a carabao. And the price of a carabao can vary depending on factors such as age, size, and overall health. Exact price of a carabao can vary from place to place. You can expect the price between ₱35,000 to ₱60,000.
Uses
The Carabao buffaloes are multi-purpose animals, and they are used for many different purposes. They are used for meat, milk, hide, riding, draught and many different agriculture purposes.
Special Notes
The Carabao buffaloes are very hardy animals. They are well adapted to a hot and humid climate. Availability of water is of high importance in hot climates since they need wallows, rivers or splashing water for reducing the heat load and thermal stress.
They generally prefer to wallow in mudhole that they make with the horns. The Carabao buffaloes can thrive on many aquatic plants and in time of flood will graze submerged, rising their heads above the water and carrying quantities of edible plants.
They generally eat reeds, the giant reed, bulrush, sedges, the common water hyacinth, and rushes. For fattening and intensive milk production, green fodders are used.
And many fodder crops are conserved for them as hay, chaffed or pulped. These animals are generally feed in the cool of the mornings and evenings.
Average lifespan of the Carabao buffalo is between 18 and 20 years, and the females can deliver one calf each year. Review full breed profile of the Carabao buffalo in the table below.
| Breed Name | Carabao |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Milk, meat, riding, hide, draught, agriculture |
| Special Notes | Very hardy, well adapted to a hot and humid climate, availability of water is of high importance, they need wallows, feed in the cool of the mornings and evenings, 18 to 20 years of average lifespan, the females can deliver one calf each year |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Bulls | Between 420 and 500 kg |
| Cows | Between 400 and 425 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | Light grey to slate-grey |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Philippines |
