Characteristics:
- Among all the Indian breeds, this breed is highest producer of milk.
- It is used for making hybrid variety not only in India, but also other countries like Brazil.
- It got originated in Gir forests of South Kathiawar in Gujarat.
- It's also found in Maharashtra, Baroda and adjacent Rajasthan.
The other names of this breed are:
“Bhodali”, “Desan”, “Gujarati”, “Kathiawari”, “Sorthi”, and “Surati”.
The breeding tract of the breed includes Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Amreli and Rajkot districts of Gujarat . It is named after the Gir forest, the geographical area of origin of the breed.
Appearance:
- Basic colors of skin are white with dark red/chocolate-brown patches/sometimes black/purely red.
- They have well shaped udder with large teats.
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- Horns are peculiarly curved, gives it an that of a ‘half moon’.
- Huge forehead and a very long pendulous type of curled leaf-like ears are its uniqueness.
Specialties:
- This breed is known for its disease resistance and hardiness.
- Gir Cattle are reported to be the best beef-cattle of India.
- The Bullocks are heavy powerful animals. They need to be well developed.
- They are slow and lethargic in movement compared with some of the fast trotting cattle.
- Bullocks of this breed are capable of dragging heavy loads on all kinds of soil. Be it sandy, black or rocky.
- This particular breed is world- famous for its tolerance ability towards stressful conditions. Having faced scarcity for a number of years, it has the capacity for yielding more milk with less feeding. It is resistant to various tropical diseases.
- Animals of this specific breed have been imported by countries like Brazil, USA, Venezuela and Mexico due to their special survival nature.
- They are being bred there successfully.
- The animals are of red color.
- Many animals have white spots.
- Variants with different shades of red are also available.
- The average weight of males is 544 kg. The females weigh 386 kg.
