Abstract

Aim: Purpose of the study was to determine morphological and morphometric characteristics of Azikheli buffalo.  

Method and materials:  The study was carried out on physical and morphometric characteristics, productive and reproductive performance of Azikheli buffalos and bulls in Khwazakhela, District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Morphometric measurements included heart girth, body length, height at wither, height at hipbone, head region (face length, ear length and width), horn, neck, back, rump, legs and tail.

Results: Azikheli buffalos were observed with significantly higher heart girth size, longer horns, longer neck, and wider face at the level of eyes than bulls, on the other hand Azikheli buffalo was observed with significantly longer bodies, longer ears, thick horns, thick neck and large hooves than buffalo. Tail of Azikheli buffalo and of bulls was above hock as cutting of switch was routine practice. Horns were flat laterally, directed backward and slightly upwards without twisting giving a sickle or semi-sickle appearance.

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