The origin of the breed is in the Gir forest region and surrounding districts of Saurashtra region of Gujarat State. It is a moderate to large size breed. Gir is one of the best milkers among indigenous cattle. The body colour is shining red to spotted white. Skin is soft, thin, and glossy. Occasionally animals which are predominantly white with red spots are also seen.
Gir breed known for its tolerance to stress conditions. Having faced scarcity for a numbers of years, it has developed the characteristics of for yielding more milk with less feeding and is resistant to various tropical diseases such as tick born infections. Temperament is docile. Animals of this breed have been imported by countries like Brazil, USA, Venezuela and Mexico, and are being bred there successfully. Gir breed has excellent potential for milk production hence can be used to upgrade the non-descript cattle of India.
Physical Discription:
Coat Colour: Most of the Gir animal have pure red colour. Some animals are speckled red, yellowish red to white with large red spots. Their undercoat is red.
Horns: Long horns are peculiarly curved. Starting at the base of the crown they grow downwards and backwards with an upward curve.
Distinguishing Character: bulging and prominent head, convex fore head, long and pendulous ears folded like a leaf. Prominent hip bones. The hump on a Gir is considered to be the largest of the Zebu breeds and is very well marbled
Performance: The cow have capacious udder and average milk production about 1500 liters in laction period of 300 days. Milk production varies from 1100 liters to 2000 liters. Average dry period is around 156 days and average calving interval is around 520 days.
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