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. Feral buffalo
number over 80,000.
The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry is implementing
a program whereby all feral buffalo will be eradicated by 1990. The purpose of
this program is to halt the spread of brucellosis and tuberculosis from
infected areas.
Both the Department of Primary Industry and the Buffalo Industry
Council are assisting producers to build up controlled domesticated and game
park herds of buffalo for production of meat and breeding animals.
Feedlots have been established to turn out young male buffalo
(approx. 180 kilograms dressing weight [400 pounds]) and work is currently
underway to establish a standard carcass.
Objective data are available on growth rates and fertility of the
Australian buffalo. In research programs conducted in Northern Australia,
growth rates appear similar to those of Brahman cross cattle. Fertility is
generally excellent.
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.
Reference:
Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian Meat & Livestock
Corporation,1989, 3rd Edition