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In Sakarya's Sogutlu district, water buffaloes taken to graze in pastures seek relief from the heat by cooling off in muddy water pools.
Water buffaloes, which are led in herds to pastures by a shepherd in Maksudiye Neighborhood, enter the muddy waters of a nearby stream and its surrounding area once temperatures rise after grazing in the plain.
The buffaloes, which remain in the water for approximately three hours, cool off and take mud baths there, helping them cope with heat stress.
Senol Akcay, chairperson of the Sakarya Breeding Buffalo Breeders Association, stated that buffaloes take water and mud baths in hot weather to cool down and reduce heat stress on their bodies.
Akcay noted that this is important for the animals' health. He said buffaloes protect themselves from parasites by taking mud baths, which clean their skin and help rid them of parasites, adding that this also helps protect them from disease. He noted that the reduction in heat stress has a positive effect on their meat and milk as well.
Akcay said approximately 1,500 buffaloes are raised in the province. He explained that buffaloes do not respond well to too much change and can be affected by noise, loud sounds, and frequent changes in caretakers, which is why maintaining the routine the animals are used to is important.
He added that a well-cared-for buffalo can benefit farmers for many years, noting that under normal conditions, a buffalo can give birth approximately once every 10 to 11 months, and with proper care, it is possible for a buffalo to continue reproducing for up to 15 years.
Omer Deniz, a buffalo breeder, said water and mud baths are essential for buffaloes, noting that they enter the water several times a day during hot weather.
Farmer Nuri Bahadir also said that buffalo breeding should be supported and expanded further, with more young people encouraged to enter the field, noting that buffalo is an important food source.
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