Dehong Water Buffalo

Dehong Water Buffalo

The Dehong water buffalo is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Yunnan’s Dehong water buffalo are tall, robust animals with a breeding history spanning over a thousand years. Today, their population is thriving, and they are playing a dual role in development.

　　Currently, there are more than 100,000 Dehong water buffalo in the region, with nearly all parts of Dehong raising them.

　　　Breed Characteristics Dehong water buffalo have smooth coats, with fur colors predominantly brown or black. They often feature a semi-circular white ring of hair around the lower neck. Bulls have short heads, broad foreheads, deep muzzles, large nostrils, and large, round, expressive eyes. Cows have narrower, longer heads, smaller mouths, and more delicate eyes. Their horns are large and long, with the longest exceeding 119 cm, and the span between horns can exceed 138 cm. The horns curve backward in an arc. Bulls have thicker, broader necks, while cows have slimmer, longer necks. Their withers are higher than their rumps, their chests are deep, extending beyond the length of the forelegs, and their backs are short, wide, and flat, with small flanks. Their tails are short with thick bases, and the tail brush extends past the hock joint. Their limbs are sturdy and well-proportioned, with prominent tendons, thick and strong bones, and short, powerful fetlocks. Their hooves are black, large, round, and solid. Their bodies are tall, muscular, with strong bones, balanced structures, and excellent working conformation.

　　Breed Performance Adult Dehong water buffalo bulls have an average body height of 132.7 cm, body length of 141.7 cm, chest circumference of 196.2 cm, cannon bone circumference of 23.7 cm, and weight of 506 kg. Adult cows measure 128.7 cm in height, 134.4 cm in length, 189.8 cm in chest circumference, 19.9 cm in cannon bone circumference, and weigh 450 kg. Dehong water buffalo have strong working ability. When used for labor 8 hours a day, the maximum draught force of Dechang water buffalo is 200–215 kg, about 45% of their body weight, with an average draught force of 106.8 kg, accounting for 21.3% of their body weight. Their speed is 0.29 meters per second, and their power output is 0.42 horsepower.