The Surti is a breed of water buffalo found in the Kaira and Vadodara districts of Gujarat between the Mahi and Sabarmati rivers. Its average milk yield is 1600-1800 litres. The fat content of the milk is about 8-10 per cent. The best animals of this breed are found in Anand, Kaira and Baroda districts of Gujarat.^[1]

Sickle shape horn is its characteristic feature.

Characteristics of the breed

The Surti buffalo is of medium size and docile temperament. The breed has got a fairly broad and long head with a convex shape at the top in between horns. Horns are sickle-shaped and flat which grow in a downward & backward direction and then upwards at the tip forming a hook. The skin is black or brown. Surti breed has got a unique straight back. Good specimens have two white collars.

Performance of the breed

Average milk production:-

• Ist Lactation:-1500-1600 kg
• Other than Ist Lactation:- 1900–2000 kg

Fat:- 7 to 7.5%

SNF:- 9 to 9.15%

Age at Ist calving:- 45 to 47 months

Calving interval:- 400 to 425 days

Breeding period:- Seasonal (Sept. to April)