In Thrissur, a buffalo named Khuman Khali enjoys a life of luxury, receiving the kind of care fit for a king. With two dedicated caretakers attending to him at all times, daily oil massages, and a diet that includes four lavish meals a day, this 10-year-old Murrah breed buffalo stands as a symbol of strength and magnificence. Brought from Punjab two and a half years ago by Kattur native Shanavas Abdullah, Khuman is an extraordinary specimen, standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches—making him the tallest bull of his kind in South India.
A Lineage of Giants
Khuman belongs to an elite bloodline of record-breaking buffaloes from Punjab. His father, Khali, was once a favorite among livestock enthusiasts and farmers. Unlike ordinary buffaloes, Khuman has an extraordinary physique and a gentle temperament, which sets him apart in exhibitions across Punjab and Haryana. Shanavas, an experienced livestock breeder, traveled extensively across northern India in search of a buffalo with superior genetic traits. He eventually found Khuman, paying a hefty price for this rare gem. Over the years, he has also raised some of Kerala’s biggest bulls, including Sonu, Saddam, Hussain, and Sheikh.
A King’s Diet and Fitness Routine
Khuman’s daily routine is meticulously planned to maintain his size and strength. His diet consists of a mix of grains and protein-rich supplements, ensuring proper growth and muscle development. He is fed four times a day, consuming a total of 50 kilograms of fresh grass daily. His meals also include cottonseed cake, grain powder, chickpeas, and different types of bran. In the mornings, he receives around 10 kilograms of feed, with slightly smaller portions for the rest of the day.
To maintain his fitness, Khuman goes on three daily walks around the farm. Frequent baths help regulate his body temperature, and after each bath, his caretakers massage mustard oil into his skin, keeping it smooth and shiny.
Khuman’s lifestyle is a testament to the dedication and expertise of Shanavas, who spares no effort in ensuring his prized buffalo remains in peak condition. With his impressive lineage, towering height, and luxurious care, Khuman truly reigns as the king of buffaloes in Kerala.
