Buffaloes can become aggressive in hot and dry weather, says breeder

TANAH MERAH: The current dry weather in the state has raised concern among buffalo breeders as the animals can become aggressive when waterholes they wallow in dry up.

Cattle breeder Nik Yakob Awang Ahmad, 67, said he had to get water from a nearby river for his two buffaloes as drinking water as well as to wash the buffaloes twice a day to prevent overheating and ensure they remain healthy.

"The animals are sensitive and need to wallow in water to cool down," he said.

He said he would normally allow the animals to roam and find waterholes on their own.

"But they have all dried up due to the drought," he told Bernama when met at Kampung Chawas, here.

Nik Yakob said without the water, the animals could become depressed, uncomfortable, violent or even die.

"If I don't fetch the water, the buffaloes' health may be affected. They could also become enraged and even attack humans," he said.

Waterholes are essential for the animal's health and growth, he said, adding he would incur thousands of ringgit in losses if the animals are not well taken care of.

"We are also facing a feed shortage due to the dead grass. I have to look for grass growing on the edges of the river and canals," he added. – Bernama