Know about Gir Breed

Lactation:

Geographical Region:

Saurashtra, Gujarat

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.
• Horns are peculiarly curved, gives it 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 and 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.