Gir cow is no more limited as an ordinary Indian cow breed. Rather it has gained very high attraction and popularity in many countries and territories outside India. It has gained global attention, mainly due to it’s premium quality A2 milk. Vedic Bilona (ancient Indian method) Gir cow ghee has also gained global popularity. Both milk and ghee of Gir cow are of very good quality, healthy, and nutritious. That’s why this breed has gained global attraction and popularity of it’s products.
Gir is among the India’s most popular native cow breeds. Nowadays, the Gir cows are well known for their premium A2 milk and also the high-value Vedic Bilona ghee. Gir cow’s A2 milk has very good demand and high value in almost all states in India.
Gir is actually an Indian zebuine cattle breed which originated in the Kathiawar peninsula in the state of Gujarat. These cows are mostly found in the Gir Hills in that regions, that’s where this breed derives it’s name.
Gir cows are also known by some other names in some other areas. Other names of this breed include Bhodah, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi and Surti. However, they are most called and known as Gir throughout India, and also globally.
Gir cows were exported to Brazil from the early twentieth century. And now, the Brazilian Gir numbers about five million head. India’s surrounding countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka also has significant numbers of Gir cows.
Origin and History
As we have mentioned above, the Gir cow originated in the Kathiawar peninsula in the state of Gujarat, India. And the name of this breed derives from the Gir Hills in that region. Although, it’s traditional breeding range was not limited to this range only. Rather, the traditional breeding range of these cows extended into the Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, and Rajkot districts of Gujarat.
Previously, the breed has been used within India in the improvement of other cow breeds including the Red Sindhi and the Sahiwal. In North America, the Gir was also one of the breed used in the development of the Brahman cattle breed. And in Brazil and other South American countries, the Gir is used frequently as a Bos indicus breed. It is used mainly because of it’s resistant to hot temperatures and tropical diseases. Girolando cattle breed was developed by breeding Gir and Friesian cows.
Physical Characteristics
The Gir cows are easily distinguished from other cattle breeds by their beautiful physical characteristics. They are very beautiful and they have several distinctive physical characteristics which make them easily identifiable from other cow breeds.
They typically have a rounded and domed forehead (being the only ultraconvex breed in the world). Their ears are long and pendulous. Their horns spiral out and back. Both horns and ears together give these cows a very beautiful look.
Exact color of the Gir breed can vary depending on numerous factors and can vary from place to place. But they are generally mottled with the color ranging from red through yellow to white.
Average body weight of the newly born calves is about 20 kg. Average body weight of the mature cows is around 385 kg, and their average height is around 130 cm. The Gir bulls on average weight around 545 kg, and their average body height is around 140 cm.
Premium A2 Milk Production
The Gir cows are mainly known for their premium quality A2 milk production. Their milk is of very good quality and highly nutritious. Their milk is very creamy and generally contain 4.5% to 5% fat. Such milk with good amount of fat is excellent for making ghee. Milk production of these cows is moderate, with an average milk production of 2110 kg per lactation.
How much milk does a Gir cow produce per day?
Depends on numerous factors, such as age of the cow, number of lactation, length of the lactation etc. However, peak production can vary from 12 to 20 liters daily.
How to calculate Gir cow price?
Price of a Gir cow can be calculated based upon it’s purity, lineage, milk production etc. Price of premium quality Gir cows are much higher than crossbreeds.
Is Gir cow milk a2?
Yes, milk from these cows is A2.
What is a2 Gir cow ghee?
A2 Gir ghee is a type of ghee which is made from the A2 milk of these cows. Ghee from the milk of these cows is typically made from traditional Vedic Bilona method.
How much does a Gir cow cost?
Exact price of a Gir cow depends on numerous factors such as purity, linage, milk production, and also location. For example price of a 100% pure Gir cow in Gujarat is around or up to 1 lakh Indian Rupees.
