Buffalo Farming in Colombia: From Exotic Species to Golden Opportunity

In Colombia, the buffalo market has grown significantly in recent years, becoming an unrivaled alternative for cattle farmers. According to the ICA (National Institute of Agricultural Research), the buffalo population has increased by 60.1% over the past six years, from 336,417 HEAD in 2018 to more than 617,000 in 2025. This growth is driven by significant demand for lean and nutritious MEAT , as well as the potential for MILK and other dairy product production and, of course, lower costs.

The growth of buffalo farming in the country is no accident or coincidence. Firstly, buffalo farming has proven itself as a viable alternative for livestock farmers due to its numerous advantages over traditional cattle ranching. In addition to being a more profitable option in areas with geographical and environmental conditions unfavorable for cattle breeding , these animals adapt well to floodplain meadows, harsh climates, and harsh pastures.

They have many advantages over cattle, explains Farouk Urrutia Jalili, a physician and breeder at the Flor del Rubí buffalo ranch. "Buffalo reproduce early: they have their first calving at 27 to 30 months and mate between 18 and 24 months. Furthermore, they have a low mortality rate, with a fattening period of 24 to 30 months after birth and a lifespan of 18 to 25 years."

These figures and the country's strong buffalo market seem to have no limits. "According to Asobúfalos and Fedegan forecasts, by 2027 the buffalo population will reach 1.6 million heads, a 406% increase over 2018, while milk production will increase by 421% and meat production by 204% in tons, reflecting the sector's boom and the growing acceptance of buffalo meat in the Colombian market," adds Urrutia.

Alba Lucía Suárez Quiseño, CEO of Asobúfalos, explains these remarkable results: “The positive results of the buffalo market are due to 60 years of development in the Colombian livestock sector, which has transformed it from an exotic species into a promising one, and is now part of the national livestock sector. Buffalo are considered strategically important for the country’s food security and have demonstrated the ability to adapt to the adverse conditions of our ecosystems.”

Furthermore, the union has committed to promoting the development of the production chain, genetic improvement, and the management and promotion of improved and adapted breeds. This allows us to now find buffalo breeding companies that implement technology and management, enabling buffalo to reach their full potential. She notes that previously, buffalo fell into the hands of professionals from other fields and investors who analyzed the numbers and production indicators. "Today, we see herders with a rich history entering the business, and buffalo provide them with the incentive to stay and grow."

Buffalo have proven themselves to be a valuable complement to traditional livestock farming, contributing to more efficient use of farm space and increasing farm utilization. However, the shift to farms exclusively raising buffalo is striking: in the early 1920s, their share was 20%. Today, it's 23%. Slaughter is also a significant factor. Last year, this figure increased by 34% compared to 2013, when 12,065 head were slaughtered, compared to 53,217 in 2024 ; by the first half of 2025, 14,500 head are expected to be slaughtered.

Speaking about the strength of the domestic buffalo meat market in the region, Suarez notes: "Colombia ranks third in buffalo population, followed by Brazil and Venezuela . The buffalo meat production chain is gaining momentum in the domestic and international markets for meat, milk, draft animals, and genetic raw materials. Recognition of buffalo meat in sanitary, tariff, and financial regulations is contributing to faster development. International demand for buffalo mozzarella and its derivatives is growing."

The ability to market lean, tender meat, coupled with its nutritional properties, is gaining popularity among domestic consumers. 58.2% of buffalo meat is sold in supermarkets, 40.9% in markets and farms, and 0.90% in institutional markets, demonstrating progress in consumer recognition of this meat in the official market, particularly in supermarkets.

According to Urrutia Jalili, buffalo milk is a true dietary miracle for those suffering from colon cancer or other conditions who cannot consume dairy products. "And demand for it is growing rapidly. You can find buffalo milk products in chain stores, in inexpensive grocery stores of the same excellent quality, in almost all fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and HEALTH food stores. Exports of these products have also increased. We personally make a curry with buffalo milk and honey; it's simply something."

The DIRECTOR of Asobúfalos emphasizes that buffalo milk is valued by producers, manufacturers, and consumers. Producers earn 50–70% more than cow's milk, producers use it to produce value-added products, and consumers prefer it for its nutritional value and culinary versatility.

Juan Gonzalo Botero Botero, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and President of Aexgan, emphasizes that buffalo tolerate Colombia's tropical conditions very well and represent a key option for ranchers of all sizes.

He also argues that Colombia must develop buffalo production and implement sanitary protocols for exporting this product and ensuring widespread use of this important meat. Finally, a buffalo breeder from Flor del Rubí addresses those hesitant about entering this market: "Buffalo are an economic lifeline for the average cattle breeder." The numbers don't lie.

According to Farouk Urrutia, buffalo contribute to soil restoration by participating in nutrient cycling; their enteric methane production is reduced compared to other herbivores; and they adhere to agroecological principles. Furthermore, they restore wetlands, help control invasive plants, restore water bodies, promote water oxygenation, and boost fish stocks. The United Nations and the Global Environment Facility recognize and support initiatives that utilize buffalo as a species that contributes to the sustainable use of wetlands.

Flor del Rubi's DOCTOR and buffalo breeder, Farouk Urrutia Jalili, spoke about the buffalo business.

"We started in 2012, and the hobby was born from reading about the benefits of livestock farming, a desperate search for viable economic alternatives to livestock farming, and attempts to find a sustainable, productive, and, above all, profitable option in the conditions of the Atlantic coast: scant rainfall, long summers, and a hot climate with harsh temperatures that reduce reproductive functions and, as a result, incomes . A very close friend from Monteria called me and told me that a man who had brought pregnant buffaloes from Brazil was selling 21 buffaloes at auction. I bought them, and that's how it all began.

But the beginning was not easy. Ten years ago, the market prejudice against selling fattened males was strong, and cheesemakers wanted to pay less for milk than for cow's milk because of its color. Today, it's the other way around. Milk is paid more than for cow's milk, and meat is gradually becoming more equal. When I started, they called me crazy, so I left the herd, Gir and Goozer, already formed with excellent genetics, and frankly, I would never go back. These well-groomed animals are a real salvation for a rancher.

The buffalo is a collection of evolutionary advantages that nature has endowed this species with. It has four stomachs and a higher concentration of bacteria in the rumen, which allows it to better process low-quality feed.

They chew 30 times more per lump and chew four times more cud than cattle , allowing them to feed on grasses and forbs that are difficult for other herbivores to digest, thereby saving on equipment and herbicides. Prices for a liter of milk range from $2,700 to $3,200, and by other estimates, are even higher than those for cattle, which cost between $1,800 and $2,000. Furthermore, it takes no more than five liters of milk to produce a kilogram of cheese, while cattle require 8-9 liters.

Buffalo are very tame and docile animals . Initial breeding costs depend on the acquisition of pregnant females and breeding stock. Prices vary greatly depending on their quality, available information, and origin. Pregnant females cost approximately $4,500,000 and up, with a first-year return rate of 77% to 85%. The price of a young calf currently starts at $10,000 per kilogram, and the price of a young male calf is approximately $9,000 per kilogram. Costs vary depending on the type of farm.

Buffalo meat is tender, lean, and soft, similar to beef , but has the comparative advantage of being rich in essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. It is high in lecithin, low in cholesterol, contains 11% more protein, and has 55% fewer calories. As you can see, this meat deserves mass consumption and has unique qualities.