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[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!Gir/ Gyr cattle
Place of Origin | India |
Origin | They originated in southwest India in the state of Gujerat and have since spread to neighboring Maharashtra and Rajasthan. It has been used locally in the improvement of other breeds including the Red Sindhi and the Sahiwal. It was also one of the breeds used in the development of the Brahman breed in North America. |
Purpose | Beef and Dairy cattle |
Appearance | The most unique feature of Girs is their convex forehead, which acts as a cooling radiator to the brain and pituitary gland. |
Horns | Horns are set well back on their heads and thick at the base. They grow downwards and backwards with an upward curve. |
Cows Average Weight | 390 kg (860 lbs.) |
Bulls Average Weight | 545 kg (1202 lbs.) |
Other Considerations | Girs are considered to be the most gentle of the Zebu breeds. They love being with humans. They adore being brushed and scratched on their big dew laps, around the head, and between the back legs. Their temperament is well illustrated in Brazil where the cow will come into bails to be milked by machines just like any Friesian or Jersey cow. They are very gregarious and at night form a circle very close together with their calves sleeping under their necks. Gir cattle are one of the three Zebu breeds used to develop the American Brahman. Two of the most famous foundation sires, Manso and Emperor, carried a high Gir content. This can be seen in their down swept horns, big humps, straight wide backs, and beautifully sloping, filled out hind quarters. |