Gir Cattle: Shining Example Of Virtues Of Local Breeds

INDIA - The breed is known for its high milk yield and docile temperament
calendar icon 29 March 2007
clock icon 2 minute read
ROBUST NATURE: The animals have a big head with prominent bulging shield like forehead and a long face.

Cross-bred cattle yield higher milk, but are difficult to maintain because they are prone to diseases, cannot be used as draught animals and their lactation reduces with each generation.

On the other hand, indigenous breeds are fully adapted to Indian conditions, yield milk of a higher fat content and the bulls can be used as draught animals.

One such cattle breed is the Gir cattle of Gujarat. The breed is known for its high milk production potential, heavy build and docile temperament.

Body size

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. Cows weigh 400-475 kg and bulls 550-650 kg. 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, according to Dr. J. V. Solanki, Dean, Veterinary College, Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Anand, Gujarat.

The animals have comparatively large dewlap big head with prominent bulging - shield like (convex) forehead and a long face. The ears are long (like leaves of banyan a tree) and pendulous. The tail is long and slender. The udder is well developed.

Oestrus cycle

"The cows come to heat (oestrus) once in 21 days. The oestrus period lasts for 24 hrs with prominent oestrus signs, unlike in other breeds where the oestrus period can be detected only by trained farm hands or veterinary personal,: said Dr. Solanki. The cows are bred either by artificial insemination or natural service by stud bulls.

Source: The Hindu
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