Corrientes has particularly favorable conditions for buffalo production. Much of its area is characterized by subtropical environments with high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and extensive areas of estuaries, wetlands, and low-lying fields. These soils, which often pose limitations for other livestock activities due to temporary waterlogging, can be used by buffalo thanks to their ability to adapt and make use of forage in wet environments. This combination of climate and natural resources makes the province one of the country's leading areas for developing the activity.
For this reason, a team of INTA specialists is studying the performance of buffalo as an alternative capable of making use of these resources. The work is possible because the experimental station has the Institute's only buffalo herd of its own and can conduct field evaluations under conditions representative of the area.
“The research covers management, reproduction, feeding, adaptation, and productive performance,” said Luis Gándara, an INTA Corrientes livestock specialist. He noted that, although the results are still preliminary, systematic monitoring of the herd makes it possible to build local information on the species and evaluate strategies in a specific environment—an input needed to guide the decisions of producers and technicians.
The experimental unit consists of 18 female buffalo calves, 23 mothers, 18 young buffalo, and one breeding male, or bull. “The presence of different categories and production stages expands the opportunities to observe and compare management practices throughout the cycle,” Gándara said.
The main result achieved so far is the consolidation of a stable research platform that supports field experiences and the collection of original data. This knowledge aims to contribute to efficient buffalo systems adapted to the region, as well as provide tools for those considering adopting or strengthening this type of production.
With this capacity, Corrientes is well positioned to become a reference center for the development of buffalo farming in Argentina. “The approach is not intended to replace cattle farming, but to complement and diversify production systems by using environments with different characteristics,” Gándara said.
A congress to talk about buffaloes
Buffalo production will have an international gathering from 8 to 10 October, with the 1.er International Buffalo Congress and the 1.ª Expo of the Asociación Búfalos del Iberá 2026. Under the slogan “The buffalo, from Corrientes to the world,” the event will bring together producers, professionals, researchers, and specialists from Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia.
The agenda will include meat and milk production, animal health, reproduction, genetics, production systems, efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. The event is organized by INTA Corrientes, the Asociación Búfalos del Iberá, the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, the Government of Corrientes, and the Municipality of Ituzaingó. The event aims to bring together evidence generated in the region with experiences from other countries and strengthen the province’s role in developing the activity.
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