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.
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.
Carabao Buffalo Full Information
Read some more information about this domestic buffalo breed below.
Physical 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. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about carabao buffalo. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about these buffaloes, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
Is carabao and buffalo the same?
Yes carabao and buffalo are the same in the Philippines. But the word ‘Carabao’ is now used for the imported river-type buffalo as well as for the local swamp buffalo.
What is the English name of carabao?
The English name of carabao is the water buffalo.
What kind of meat is a carabao?
Research studies show that carabao meat is similar to cattle meat or beef in tenderness, texture and flavor especially when reared and fed for early slaughter. Furthermore, it provides lower cholesterol, lower calories and higher protein compared to beef.
What is carabao Filipino?
It is a subspecies of the domesticated water buffalo which is found in the Philippines, Guam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and various parts of Southeast Asia.
Is carabao milk good?
Yes, carabao milk is very good. This milk is an extremely rich source of calcium and other essential minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Is carabao only in the Philippines?
The Carabao is a swamp type domestic Water Buffalo which is found in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Guam.
What is the uses and benefits of carabao?
The carabao is used and good for milk production, their manure is used as organic fertilizer and they are often used in the farming related activities.
Why is carabao important in the Philippines?
Carabao helps the farmers to farm their crops. That’s why it is very important in the Philippines.
Why is the carabao the national animal of the Philippines?
The carabao has a special place in Filipino culture, symbolizing hard work and perseverance, traits that are dear to people of Philippine heritage. That is why the carabao is the national animal of the Philippines.
How much is carabao in Philippines?
Exact price of a carabao can vary from place to place. But you can expect the price between ₱35,000 to ₱60,000.
Are carabos gentle?
Yes, the carabos are very gentle and docile creatures.
Is the carabao a multi purpose animal?
Yes, carabao is a multi-purpose animal. It is used for many different purposes such as meat, milk, riding, hide, draught and many different agriculture purposes.
What age can carabao get pregnant?
Can vary depending on numerous factors. But generally, the age can vary from 17 to 60 months.
How many months is a carabao pregnant?
Average gestation period of the carabao is 10 months.
Is carabao a farm animal?
Yes, it is a farm animal which has gained remarkable importance in the past years as a vital component in food sustainability and income to farmers in the Philippines.
What is the economic importance of carabao?
The carabao is a major contributor in the agricultural industry. It provides us meat and dairy products for consumption and contributes to a more sustainable agriculture.
How would you describe the carabao?
Carabao are incredible animals that are used for work and farming tasks in South East Asian. They plow fields, carry and move heavy objects and they are even used for transportation. Carabaos are widely distributed in all the larger islands of the Philippine archipelago.
What are the characteristics of carabao?
The carabaos have the low, wide, and heavy build of draught animals. They vary in color from light grey to slate grey. The horns are sickle-shaped or curve backward toward the neck. Chevrons are common. They are 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. Their average live body weight can vary from 400 to 500 kg.
