‘Livestock for Development’ in Resource-Constrained Environment: Would Induction of External Buffalo Breeds Help?

Even the harsh environments stressed for water and biomass, dependent on commons with low-input production systems, are not exempt. Performance of such breeds has been a serious concern in these programmes as any mortality and nonperformance can further increase debt burden of the poor. Also, the potential of nonrecognized local breeds well adapted to the scarcity cycles in dry land areas is not seriously explored. These are considered ‘nondescript’ and therefore, do not qualify for support in the government programmes. Located in this context, the chapter documents and analyses the performance of external Murrah buffaloes inducted into semiarid regions in Andhra Pradesh. The study also brings out the potential of various types or groups within the local breeds and presents their productivity traits.