ANN/THE NATION – Known for its majestic appearance and impressive size, the buffalo, named Ko Muang Phet, is celebrated for its extraordinary breeding prowess, with a staggering 90 per cent of its offspring inheriting albino traits.
This unique characteristic makes it a highly prized asset in the buffalo breeding industry, ensuring that nine out of ten calves born carry the distinctive albino gene.
In addition to its genetic rarity, Ko Muang Phet has also found fame in the entertainment realm, playing the role of Ai Khlaow’s buffalo in the latest rendition of the beloved Mon Rak Luk Thung TV drama.
Despite being a mere five years old and towering at an impressive height of 180 centimetres, Ko Muang Phet has earned the esteemed title of Thailand’s premier giant breeding buffalo, maintaining an unbeaten record in competitions for several years.
However, it has been retired from competitions to focus on producing new generations.
Recently, Wanasuwan Farm in Chiang Rai caught public attention when it purchased the star buffalo for a staggering THB18 million – the most expensive buffalo acquisition ever at the 12th Uthai Thani Thai Buffalo Festival held last weekend.
Damrongsak explained how his passion for exploring the potential of Thailand’s buffalo industry led him to Ko Muang Phet. Starting with the purchase and raising of ordinary buffaloes, Damrongsak gradually built his 9 Morakot Farm in Phetchaburi’s Tha Yang district, which began generating annual profits of up to THB8 million. Ko Muang Phet, whom he raised and cherished like a child, became the crown jewel of his farm.
While parting with Ko Muang Phet was a difficult decision, Damrongsak hopes its new owner will continue upholding its legacy and contributing to the growth of Thailand’s albino buffalo industry. He envisions propelling Thailand’s buffalo industry to global recognition, positioning the country as a leader in buffalo breeding and revitalising the industry for generations to come.
