Kalahandi buffalo breed, a distinct breed found in South Orissa State in India, has been studied. This paper describes the habitat, husbandry practices, physical conformation and performance of the breed.

Total of 678 buffalo carcasses were evaluated subjectively for conformation, bruises, contamination and cuts at six different slaughter houses with different slaughter and dressing procedures. Irregular casting of animals and quartering of carcasses on the slaughter floor was found detrimental to the production of hygienic meat compared to regular line casting and quartering outside the slaughter hall or lifting (hoisting) of carcasses for dressing and cutting. Average carcass conformation score was 3.18, indicating a fair grade and scope for improvement by effective culling. Bruising was observed to the extent of 58 percent, contamination with extraneous material to the extent of 49 percent and cuts on the carcasses were observed to the extent of 23 percent. The study suggested that proper care and handling of live animals and lifting of carcasses for dressing and quartering purposes (by way of a semi-modern abattoir system) will contribute to a great extent in the production of hygienic buffalo meat.

Six Murrah bulls of N.D.R.I. progeny testing program set V were ranked on the basis of first lactation performance of their daughters. Bull No. 1039 ranked first while animal No.393 ranked second. The index value of the top-ranking bull was 15.3 % above the herd average and this bull was recommated in the herd for a period of two producing the future young sires

Based upon skin hypersensitivity reaction, intradermal test was applied for the diagnosis of spontaneous fascioliasis in buffaloes. A supernatant of homogenised and sonicated extract of F. gigantica was used as antigen. Selecting neck site region as the test site it was noticed that 48.78 %, 63.41 % and 70.74 % of infected buffaloes showed positive reactions at 1/2 h, 6 h and 24 h after intradermal inoculation of antigen. The histopathological examinations of skin biopsies taken from the test site revealed hypersensitivity-l and lll at 1/2 h and 24 h intervals, respectively. Maximum number of false reactions were noticed at 1/2 h period and in tuberculin positive herd and least at 24 h. The intradermal test produced better results when the readings were taken at 24 h and the values of =9.90 mm increase in skin fold thickness were considered as standard for positive reactions.