Buffalo in Borneo, Sarawak: A Review of the Current Status of the Indigenous Buffalo Industry

The Malaysian water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, has traditionally been an important livestock for the local people of Sarawak. Buffalo, other ruminants, and non-ruminants are essential industry as they supply largest source protein entire nation. Cattle provide production in at 0.2%, followed by including goats (0.1%), sheep (0.04%), buffalo (0.03%). Water or 'kerbau sawah' it is locally known, overlooked animal compared to livestock. Amidst growing demand beef within domestic consumer market, population Sarawak risen over past five years from 5,396 6,205 heads 2019. However, self-sufficiency level (SSL) cattle dropped 26% 2013 21.6% 2019 despite rising produce. Malaysia continues import frozen India live bovine countries meet demands support growth industry. Due this, Department Veterinary Services (DVS) introduced a yard program ('Natad Kerbau') assist state smallholder farmers managing their buffaloes better. This paper focuses on describing current status Sarawak, its functions (including provision food security), future prospects B. bubalis particular.