Paper presented at the 52nd CFCS Annual Meeting, Guadeloupe, July 10-16, 2016 visual appearance being sleek and plump, this led to the conclusion that buffaloes can survive in conditions that the cattle could not, making it an important factor to develop a beef buffalo breed that did not necessarily require high input costs of imported feed. Information on fertility rates of buffalo are not scientifically conclusive and are the subject of hypothetical guesses, Osborn (1965) observed that out of 130 buffaloes , 82% calved during the July/December period, this had serious implications in choosing buffalo for beef production as low fertility rates became apparent. Trinidad buffaloes showed high feed conversion ratios on diets composed of bagasse, molasses and grass, Trinidad buffaloes showed significant weight gain against buffaloes from other regions across the world (Table 2), at 6 months old Trinidad buffaloes weighed 429 lbs with the closest region being Italy at 383 lbs (a 10% difference) at 12 months old the Trinidad buffalo had a 13% greater difference than the Italian buffalo. Carcass comparisons to other buffalo breeds (Table 3) shows superior beef quality compared to beef of other animals produced under local conditions with important noticeability on lower fat content, leading to higher nutritional value (protein content of 18-20%). Caroni Buffalypso Project: Buffalo herds were used for draught power for hauling sugar cane to the production factories, the company opted for mechanisation for transport in the early 1960’s, as such the buffaloes were placed at the company’s Esperanza location (Central Trinidad) which was considered unsuitable for sugar cane production. They were to be raised for beef production based on 1) capacity to utilise poor quality fodder, 2) resistance to disease, 3) tolerance to tropical climatic conditions and 4) the animals’ ability to survive under poor conditions. The project began with 78 yearlings in 1963, number of herd increased to 262 by 1971 and by 1978 there were higher numbers in breeding stock (Table 4a, 4b). Varieties of Bos bubalis with selected traits which could be inter-bred were identified. Many cross-breeds already existed, however a distinct breed with all preferred strains still did not exist, as such, a new structured breeding approach was taken. Bennet (1964) suggested there may have been an ad mixture of breeding (through interbreeding) and the possibility existed of evolving a new breed in Trinidad – the Buffalypso. Research by Dr. Stephen Bennet (1964) proved that many varieties were inter-fertile and this became the basis of a breeding programme. Desirable characteristics to develop a new breed of beef buffalo were selected for the development of the new breed. Five breeds of Indian origin were used to begin this breeding programme. These breeds differed in physical and hereditary characteristics. Notable characteristics of these foundation stock breeds were, 1) Murrah – shapely and clean cut head in females but coarse and heavy in bulls, face is fine without white markings and with nostrils inside apart, neck is long and thin in females but thick and massive in males, well developed chests short and straight legs, average weight of 1,000 lbs for females and 1,200 lbs for males , well developed udder, broad hips and drooping quarters – efficient milk producers in India, 2) Surti – black or brown colour, medium length , sickle shaped horns, directed downward and backward then turn upward to form a hook, straight back and low on legs, high butterfat content in milk, 3) Jaffarabadi – longer body than Murrah and not as compact, loosely knit frame massive head and neck, large body weighing up to 3,000 lbs 4) Nelli – Prominent eyes especially in females, animals are the basis of the Pakistani dairy herd, 5) Bhadawari – medium sized with wedge-shaped bodies, small, light head bulges out between the horn, well developed chest, stout legs and black hooves. The pure-bred animals were interbred and cross bred with ad mixture stock already considered to have the features desired, the cross-bred progeny was selected for conformation of desired characteristics, the breed resulting from these crosses is now referred to as the Buffalypso, this breed now possesses the characteristics of a new breed suited for beef production. Results The breeding programme led to the development of the buffalypso breed; this can be considered successful as it satisfied the objectives of the project – create a fast growing beef buffalo breed (Table 5.), also resulting was a significant increase in population (Table 6.). The program suggested that production would increase and the breed would be maintained with typical characteristics preserved in offspring with a dual purpose animal (beef and milk). However it has primarily been used for beef production since. Notable achievements of breeding have been 1) Weaning weight of animals reared under severe conditions for 6 – 7 months was 750 lbs, 2) Animals reared over 30 months with minimal concentrate weighed between 1,232 – 1,344 lbs 3) Mature bulls weigh over 2,000 lbs 4) Average weight of 6-8 months old animals was 431 lbs 5) Average weight of 2 year old steers was 987 lbs, emphasising it’s suitability as a beef buffalo breed. Conclusion Caroni (1975) Limited replaced its Zebu stock with Water Buffalo for the intended purposes of draught animals and eventually saleable beef commodities, through the breeding programme one such breed was successfully created, which is now the only beef buffalo breed that exists worldwide. Bennet (1972) states – this type of animal was desirable as it provides the maximum amount of meat when slaughtered, the animal grows quickly, is heavy, compact strong for working and is an excellent beef animal. Greater emphasis can be placed on such a prolific breed within the Caribbean for beef production, supported by low cost of production and high turnover ( of both saleable meat and time to be produced considered). Bennet (1972) described the breed as: “The buffalypso is reddish brown or copper colored with a white star on the forehead being permissible. The skin is light and thin. It has a broad head and a face with prominent, intelligent looking eyes and horns which grow backwards and curl upwards – but not as tightly as those of the Murrah. The body is low (short-legged) and compact with a straight top line, standing on well-turned thighs and buttocks which twists carrying well down the inside of the leg.” However, today, very few animals are now maintained on the islands of Trinidad and
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