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. 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. Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. All rights reserved.