Water buffalo are massive, but gentle creatures that originated in India and China. They have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and more people depend on them for agriculture than any other domestic animal, including dairy cattle. They are used…
Water buffalo are massive, but gentle creatures that originated in India and China. They have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and more people depend on them for agriculture than any other domestic animal, including dairy cattle. They are used for labour in many countries and their milk is richer in fat and protein than dairy milk.
Referred to as the "living tractor" of the east, many small family farms keep water buffalo for both farm work and for milk production. THe animals are also a source of meat for many.
This water buffalo wandered freely in Agra, India, grazing contentedly and resting in a quiet spot near a historic fort. Tourists who were visiting were fascinated with the water buffalo and they watched with amusement as an egret strolled around the buffalo, pecking at flies. The flies were attracted to the water buffalo and the bird was happily eating those that it could catch. This obviously worked out to the water buffalo's satisfaction to be rid of the pests.
The egret skillfully stabbed at flies in the nostril and around the face of the water buffalo. With an impressive amount of trust, the water buffalo remained still and didn't even flinch as the sharp beak poked around the sensitive areas of its face. The bird also displayed an equal trust in casually wandering so close to such a massive animal.
The water buffalo can be seen twitching its ears and the horn on the right side of its head moves unnaturally in the process. It seems that the horn might be dislocated, causing it to droop against the water buffalo's face. India has been described as a land of contrast, and a place where extreme poverty is rampant. Animals often share the effects of this poverty and injuries go untreated. It is also possible that the water buffalo is a stray and does not actually belong to anyone. Animals who are no longer profitable are often released by the farmers who cannot afford to feed them anymore. Because cows are considered sacred by many people in India, their faith prohibits them from eating the animals. This means that the poor creatures are left to fend for themselves, grazing where they can find any kind of vegetation. Cows and water buffalo are often found wandering the streets and busy areas in an obvious state of malnutrition.
