Water buffalo farming in the country, from an exotic species to a golden opportunity

In Colombia, the buffalo market has experienced a notable increase in recent years and today it is an unbeatable alternative for ranchers. According to the ICA, the buffalo population has risen by 60.1% in the last six years, from 336,417 heads in 2018 to more than 617,000 in 2025. This increase responds to a significant demand for lean and nutritious meat, as well as the potential for milk production and other derivatives, and, of course, lower costs. The growth of the buffalo sector in the country is not fortuitous or a matter of chance. Firstly, buffalo farming has been established as a viable alternative for ranchers due to its multiple advantages over traditional cattle. In addition to being a more profitable option in areas with geographical and environmental characteristics that do not favor cattle, these animals have an excellent adaptability to floodable lands, difficult climatic conditions, and coarse pastures. There are many advantages over cattle, as explained by the ...