Black Gold of Pakistan is on number 2 in the world.

Pakistan is on number 2 of milk producing country in the world.
Buffalo is playing a leading role in the national economy by producing milk, meat and drought power. Out of total milk produced in the country, buffalo contributes about 68 %, followed by cattle (27%) and sheep/goat/camel (5%). Due to high fat contents of buffalo milk, it is the most preferred species in Pakistan. However, there are certain problems related to this species such as late age of maturity, long calving interval and silent heat. These problems can be solved through efficient management. At present, there are 26.3 million buffaloes in Pakistan, having a good production potential. 

In Pakistan, buffaloes not only fulfill the protein requirements of the human population by milk and meat, but are also have a great share in providing the traction power for various agricultural purposes. No doubt, we have the best breeds (Nili Ravi and Kundi) at world level but they are not producing according to their potential, mainly due to mis- management. In other parts of the world most of the buffalo population is swamp type. They are mainly used for draught purposes. Despite of these problems, there is room for improvement. Due to their versatile qualities they are rightly called as Black Gold of Pakistan.

The aim of this review paper is to point out the production performance of Pakistani buffaloes with a little touch to exotic buffaloes and the suggestions/recommendations to improve their performance to produce more.

WASEEM KHAN 
from 
karachi