Duncan Aitkenhead will be taking the water buffalo to the show

Two Asian water buffalo will be at the show for the first time in event's 100-year history.

The cow and calf, will be brought up from their grazing land at the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran by owner Duncan Aitkenhead.

And ice-cream made from water buffalo milk will be on sale at the show.

They are really docile animals and they like to interact with humans Duncan Aitkenhead

Wales' premier agricultural event, which is famous for having an abundance of animals including sheep, horses and cows on show, has seen a variety of rare breeds and other creatures including alpacas on display over the years.

But this is the first time that the formidable water buffalo have made an appearance.

The animals are part of a herd of 12 owned by Mr Aitkenhead who lives in Llanon, Aberystwyth who grazes them at the Teifi Marshes wildlife reserve, which is owned by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

The Trust uses the hefty beasts to eat their way through scrubland and keep wetlands open for wading birds.

The two animals will be on display in the Countryside Care area of the showground. They will be at the Welsh Wildlife Trusts' stand, where they will be used as an example of how land can be managed using unconventional animals.

Their owner, who runs LaBelleRouge - a company specialising in selling wholesome farm produce - will also be selling ice-cream made with the water buffalo milk.

"They are really docile animals and they like to interact with humans," he said.

"They are very intelligent but very nosey creatures.

"I think it will be nice for people to see them to make a connection with the ice-cream we are producing," he said.

Dr Madeleine Havard, chiefe executive of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said the buffalo were an excellent conservation tool, as they grazed the wetter fen and swamp areas, which provide important habitat for wetland birds.

"The water buffalo are always a big attraction at our reserve in Cilgerran and I am sure that the crowds at the Royal Welsh will enjoy seeing them close up," she said.