Was kind of bored and looking around the web and somehow started researching the Water Buffalo. They seem to be well suited to homesteading(especially those people who want to be as self sufficient as possible)-draft animals,milk and meat. Anyone ever raised Water Buffalo or know anyone who has?
The University of Florida has done a lot of research on water buffalo as commercial beef animals. I don't see them as much more than a fad. Do a Goodgle search. I'm pretty sure there is something like the American Water Buffalo Association. Ken S. in WC TN
Thats is what it seems to be-a 'fad'. Although the actual cattle are well suited to less than perfect environments and can thrive on lower quality food as well as being lower in fat than regular cattle. Most people involved in the raising of Water Buffalo are selling them as breeding stock to others-there is also a tiny market for their milk to make Buffalo Mozzarella.
If you really want one...wait for the fad to pass, then you should be able to find them for next to nothing. That's how it usually goes with fads.... Jena
when the market bottoms out they can just take the buffalo to any slaughterhouse that handles beef. so if you want one keep a close eye on the market and jump in when everybody starts sending them to slaughter.
