The Nili-Ravi buffalo is a breed of domestic buffalo which is similar to the Murrah buffalo. It is distributed in Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka.
But it is principally distributed in Pakistan and India, and is concentrated in the Punjab. It is mainly a dairy buffalo breed and used principally for milk production.
The Nili-Ravi buffalo breed date back to the Indus River Valley civilizations when they were two different buffalo, Nili and Ravi.
However, due to coincidental standards, both buffalo breeds looked very similar and it became hard to distinguish the two. So, the two breeds became one, Nili-Ravi in 1950.
Nili-Ravi Buffalo Breed Information
Read some more information about this breed below.
Physical Characteristics
The Nili-Ravi buffalo breed has a wedge shaped body with massive frame. These animals are mostly black in color, but often have white markings on the forehead, face, muzzle and lower parts of the legs (due to which it is also called ‘Panj Kalyan‘).
Their horns are small and curly and have wall eyes. The females have a larger and strong udder.
Average body height of the mature males is around 135 cm for males, and around 125 cm for females.
Average live body weight of the mature Nili-Ravi is around 700 kg for males and around 600 kg for females. Photo and info from ansi.okstate.edu and Wikipedia.
Uses
The Nili-Ravi is a dairy buffalo breed. It is used mainly for milk production.
Special Notes
The Nili-Ravi buffaloes are generally docile in terms of temperament. The males on average mature within their 30 months of age, and the females within their 36 months of age.
Average first calving age is around 45 months. The females are very good for milk production.
Average approximate milk production is around 2000 kg per year (maximum recorded yield is 6535 kg in a lactation period of 378 days). And longevity of milk production is good.
Milk of these animals is of very good quality, containing more than 6 percent of fat. However, review full breed profile of the Nili-Ravi buffalo in the table below.
| Breed Name | Nili-Ravi |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Milk |
| Special Notes | Large animals, massive body, docile temperament, the males generally mature within 30 months and the females within 36 months, average first calving age is around 45 months, the breed is very good for milk production, they produce around 2000 kg of milk per year, the longevity of production is good, milk is of very good quality containing over 6 percent fat |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Bulls | Around 700 kg |
| Cows | Around 600 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | Black or brown |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | India/Pakistan |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many people ask questions about Nili-Ravi buffalo. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this buffalo breed, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is Nili-Ravi used for?
Nili-Ravi is a dairy buffalo breed, and it is raised for milk production purpose.
How much milk does a Nili-Ravi buffalo give per day?
A Nili-Ravi buffalo can give around or up to 15-18 kg milk per day.
How much milk does a Nili-Ravi buffalo per lactation?
The average milk yield is approximately 2000 kg per year. The record yield is 6535 kg in a lactation of 378 days.
What are Nili-Ravi buffalo color varieties?
Nili-Ravi buffaloes are available in black and brown colors.
What is the origin of Nili-Ravi buffalo?
These animals are found mainly in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan and Bahawal Nagar districts in Punjab Province.
How long do Nili-Ravi buffaloes live?
Average lifespan of these buffalo is 10-12 years, and some animals live longer.
How do you identify a Nili-Ravi buffalo?
This buffalo breed has a wedge shaped body with massive frame. These animals are mostly black in color, but often have white markings on the forehead, face, muzzle and lower parts of the legs.
How much do Nili-Ravi buffaloes weight?
Average live body weight of the mature Nili-Ravi buffalo is around 700 kg for males and around 600 kg for females.
What are so special about Nili-Ravi buffaloes?
Large animals, massive body, docile temperament, the males generally mature within 30 months and the females within 36 months, average first calving age is around 45 months, the breed is very good for milk production, they produce around 2000 kg of milk per year, the longevity of production is good, milk is of very good quality containing over 6 percent fat.
What are the main characteristics of Nili-Ravi buffalo?
The Nili-Ravi buffalo breed has a wedge shaped body with massive frame. These animals are mostly black in color, but often have white markings on the forehead, face, muzzle and lower parts of the legs. Their horns are small and curly and have wall eyes. The females have a larger and strong udder. Average body height of the mature males is around 135 cm for males, and around 125 cm for females. Average live body weight of the mature Nili-Ravi buffalo is around 700 kg for males and around 600 kg for females.
