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Abstract

The paper deals with the status and recent development of water buffalo husbandry on the
floodplains (vârzea) in the Central Amazon region, in the vicinity of Manaus. A short introduction is
given about pasture formation on the so called terra firme of the Amazon basin, in connection with
the highly controversal discussion about the agronomical and ecological implications as well as a
review of the history of water buffaloes in Brazil and the ungoing research activities. Five recently
established water buffalo ranches near Manaus are discussed with respect to animal husbandry and
pasture management. It is clearly shown that extensively managed "prestige" farms underutilize the
known potential of water buffaloes in meat and milk production and working capacity. It is very
unlikely that this kind of buffalo ranching will play a substantial role in the further development of
water buffalo husbandry in the region. There is a gap between the promising results achieved in
research trials and the reality on farm level. Recent research at the practical level of an existing farm
indicates high production parameters. In order to better utilize the animal's potential and to prevent
any future ecological damage of the várzea-ecosystem by large-scale land clearing for area-extensive
establishments, research should focus on small holding mixed-farms.