Water buffalo
Water buffaloes are reared for draught and milk production. Local buffaloes produce low milk yield and in the rural sector they mainly kept for power in rice cultivation to plough and harrow the fields. Introduced Indian breeds are mainly kept for milk production and for cross breeding with local buffaloes for upgrading. A large portion of water buffalo milk is used for curd and ghee production. Water buffalo meat is not very popular within Sri Lanka and is legally banned for slaughter.