Australian Buffalo

Buffalo were introduced into Australia from the eastern Indonesian islands in the early 1800’s. There are now 30,000 domesticated buffalo in tuberculosis and brucellosis free areas in Australia’s Northern Territory. A program was implemented to eradicate all feral buffalo by 1990 to halt the spread of brucellosis and tuberculosis from infected areas. Feedlots were established to turn out young buffalo bulls (approx. 180 kg/400 lb dressing weight). In research programs conducted in Northern Australia, growth rates appear similar to those of Brahman cross cattle, coupled with a good calving rate.

A substantial buffalo meat export industry has developed with exports primarily to Europe and Asia. Buffalo meat is also consumed on the domestic market. Australia is basically free of major diseases affecting buffalo elsewhere in the world.