Here's a breakdown of the process:
* Mating: Male buffalo (bulls) compete for the right to mate with female buffalo (cows). The dominant bull will typically mate with multiple cows.
* Fertilization: During mating, the bull's sperm fertilizes the cow's egg. This occurs inside the cow's body.
* Gestation: The fertilized egg develops into a fetus inside the cow's uterus. The gestation period for buffalo is about 9-11 months.
* Birth: The cow gives birth to one or sometimes two calves. The calf is able to stand and walk shortly after birth.
* Nursing: The calf is nursed by its mother for the first few months of its life.
* Maturity: Buffalo calves reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years of age.
It's important to note that buffalo are polygamous, meaning a male can mate with multiple females. They also form herds with a dominant bull leading the group. The herd structure plays a significant role in the buffalo's mating behavior.