The Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as an autochthonous genetic and diary resource in Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Autochthonous breeds are considered as valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity owing to their capacity to adapt under specific ecological and economic conditions. Among these, the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) holds particular importance in European agriculture, especially in Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, and parts of the Balkans. In Serbia, buffalo populations have traditionally been concentrated along major river basins. Most herds are found in central and southern Serbia, restricted to areas where traditional buffalo husbandry has been maintained due to geographic factors and cultural practices. However, according to FAO data, their numbers have markedly declined over the past decades, with some local populations approaching extinction. Over the past five years, the Serbian water buffalo population has ranged between approximately 1,100 and 1,600 head, having a peak in 2022. According to the most recent records, the population now numbers just under 1,500 animals. In general, water buffalo are classified into Swamp and River subspecies, each with unique production traits and geographic distribution. Swamp buffalo are primarily kept in South and Southeast Asia, where they serve as draught animals and produce modest quantities of milk and meat. In contrast, River buffalo, which predominate in Europe, have been selectively bred for high milk yields and are the foundation of traditional dairy industries that produce specialty cheeses highly valued by consumers. Buffalo milk is characterized by its rich composition, containing 6–8% fat, elevated protein levels, and a high proportion of total solids, making it particularly suitable for processing into mozzarella and various traditional cheeses. In addition to their valuable milk traits, buffaloes are recognized for their ability to thrive under suboptimal conditions, their effective feed utilization, and their resilience to various infectious diseases. Conservation of this genetic resource is fundamental for maintaining adaptive capacity and supporting the socio-economic sustainability of rural production systems. It is essential to implement selection and conservation programs and promote the valorization of buffalo-derived products in order to preserve this culturally valuable species in Europe