Water buffalo are vital draft and dairy animals across Asia, Africa and Latin America, but welfare remains poorly monitored across most of their range.
Working buffalo suffer musculoskeletal injuries from excessive loads on poor terrain. Hoof care is largely absent in smallholder settings. Dairy buffalo have been selectively bred for increased yield without corresponding welfare improvements. Early weaning and restricted suckling cause both calf and dam distress. Wallowing access is a fundamental welfare need that many intensive systems deny.