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Sensation in Schleswig-Holstein: Albino water buffalo cloud born!
The rare albino water buffalo calf “Wolke” was born in Sprenge, Stormarn, an event of great importance in breeding.
Sensation in Schleswig-Holstein: Albino water buffalo cloud born!
In Sprenge, Schleswig-Holstein, the birth of a snow-white water buffalo calf caused quite a stir. Eleven days ago the water buffalo cow “Milli” gave birth to her sweet calf, which was named “Cloud”. Both the mother and the calf are doing well and are enjoying their first days in the stable Picture reported.
The special feature of this little buffalo lies in its rarity. Albinism only occurs in about 0.005 percent of cases in water buffalo - the probability of the birth of an albino calf is between 1:10,000 and 1:10 million. These numbers shed light on the little sensation in Sprenge: The meaning of “cloud” goes beyond the region. In many cultures, particularly Thailand, white buffalo are revered for their uniqueness and can command very high prices. An example of this is the sale of a five-year-old breeding buffalo in Thailand for approximately $540,000, such as Day24 explained.
A new era of breeding
The breeder Tim Peemöller, who started breeding water buffaloes three years ago, plans to raise “Wolke” and later use it for breeding. So far he has a herd of ten water buffaloes in his care, of which “Wolke” is already the second calf. Last year he slaughtered his first 600kg buffalo, whose meat is somewhere between game and beef. A good business, even if breeding as a whole is often described as a plus-minus-zero business.
In about two weeks, the young “cloud” will finally be able to go out to pasture with the other water buffaloes. Until then, however, she has to stay in the stable with her mother. “Cloud” is not intended for slaughter, which is not uncommon for albinos in livestock farming. They are often left unslaughtered due to their increased sensitivity to the sun's rays and their shorter life expectancy, reports NDR.
A look into the future
Tim Peemöller is optimistic about the future of “Wolke”. He hopes that one day he can sell them for 3,000 euros, which would be quite high compared to the prices of normal buffaloes of 2,000 to 2,500 euros. Nevertheless, large sums are not to be expected, especially because he refuses to ship to Thailand in order to spare the little “cloud” the stress.
The fascination for animals like water buffalo is growing not only in breeding, but also in people's perception. “Cloud” is not only a rare sight, but also a symbol of what is possible in nature. Who knows, perhaps one day she will become another example of the cultural reverence given to white buffalo?