Gyr Cow or Gir cattle is one of the famous breeds of the Zebu family, originating from India. The gir cow is usually used to improve other breeds, including the Red Sindhi breed and Sahiwal. The gir cow is also called a humped cow due to the hump on its back, which makes it different from other cow breeds. It is also originated from the city of Gujarat and also found in the Gir hills.
Gir is named after the origin of this cow, and Gir forest is the geographical origin. The Gyr cow is one of those cows used to develop the Brahman breed in North America. Gir cows are also used for breeding with Friesian Cows to make the Girolando breeds.
Gir cows are expensive breeds because of their high resistance to different diseases. The value of the Gir cow milk in the market is increased than the other breeds’ milk. And the reason for the comparatively high milk prices is the existence of two protein groups.
Casein:
Like all cow’s milk, Gyr cow’s milk contains several proteins, including casein. Casein is a type of protein that makes up the majority of the protein content in milk. It is a slow-digesting protein that sustains the body’s release of amino acids.
Casein is also used to produce many dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and protein supplements. The specific composition of casein in Gyr cow’s milk may vary slightly from that of other breeds, but it is generally similar.
Some studies suggest that Gyr cow’s milk casein may have certain health benefits. For example, it may help to promote muscle growth and recovery after exercise due to its slow-digesting nature. It may also positively affect bone health, as casein is a rich source of calcium and other minerals.
However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of casein and Gyr cow’s milk. Additionally, individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may be unable to consume Gyr cow’s milk or other dairy products containing casein without experiencing adverse effects.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is another type of protein found in Gyr cow’s milk and in the milk of other cow breeds. Whey protein is a fast-digesting protein easily absorbed by the body, making it a popular ingredient in many protein supplements and sports nutrition products.
Gyr cow’s milk may have a slightly different composition of whey protein than other breeds of cows, but the overall whey protein content is similar. Whey protein from Gyr cow’s milk may offer similar health benefits as whey protein from other cow breeds, such as promoting muscle growth and recovery after exercise, supporting immune function, and improving bone health.
It is important to note that while whey protein can be a convenient and effective way to increase protein intake, it should not be relied on as a sole source of nutrition. A balanced and varied diet that includes a range of protein sources is important for overall health and well-being.
Additionally, individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may be unable to consume whey protein from Gyr cow’s milk or other dairy sources without experiencing adverse effects. In such cases, many non-dairy protein sources are available, including plant-based options such as soy, pea, and hemp protein.
Milk Of Gyr Cows:
- Gir cows are among the highest milk production breeds and have nutritional qualities and nutrients in their milk.
- On average, a Gyr cow produces 15-18 liters of milk per day in a suitable environment.
- The milk of Gyr cow is considered premium quality fresh milk due to the presence of A-2 beta-casein protein nutrients.
- Gir or Gyr milk-producing breed also known as Bhodali, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi, and Surati.
Gyr Cow Milk Benefits:
- Gyr cows are one of the famous breeds in India, which is well-known for producing A2 milk.
- The milk of a Gyr cow has a lot of nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, rich fats, proteins, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for body health and are suitable for controlling blood pressure.
- Gyr cow’s milk also contains CLA, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, which helps lower harmful cholesterol. Thus it is beneficial for overall heart health.
- Any harmful chemicals or pesticides do not contaminate Gyr cow, so the consumers get free from chemicals and fresh and healthy milk to drink.
- Desi Gyr cows have a high level of Omega 3 Fatty acids, which are beneficial for healthy bone growth.
- It is also helpful for preventing different diseases and getting rid of heart diseases, and it is also beneficial for inflammation, cancer, and arthritis.
- Gyr milk produces organic milk, which is helpful to boost metabolism and good for robust body health.
- Gir cow’s milk is also helpful for a strong immune system and provides resistance to infections and harmful toxins.
- The milk of Gyr cows is enriched with antioxidant properties and plays a significant role in strengthening the health of the body.
- A-2 milk of Gyr cows is a rich source of calcium nutrients, and our body uses almost 99% of its calcium for teeth strength and strong and healthy bones. So Gyr cow’s milk is a rich source to fulfill calcium requirements.
- One glass of Gyr cow milk for babies in their daily routine can be a source of their strong health and solid bones. Calcium present in Gyr cow milk helps maintain the strong health of babies.
Drawbacks:
Gir cows’ fate has fallen suddenly in the last few years. The main reason is that Gir cows have been crossbred with other breeds in foreign countries to increase milk quality. Still, it has led to a severe decline in Gir cows’ lactation period.
Identification:
There are certain features and characteristics which distinguish Gyr breeds from others. Some of these features which help with its identification are:
Horns:
Gir cows are known for their long and curved horns, an important feature of their physical appearance. Both male and female Gir cows have horns, but the horns of male cows are typically larger and thicker.
The horns of Gir cows are made of a tough and durable material called keratin, the same material that makes up human hair and nails. The horns are an important defense mechanism for the cows, as they use them to protect themselves and their young from predators.
The horns of Gir cows also have cultural significance in some regions. In India, for example, some Hindus consider Gir cows sacred, and their horns are used in certain religious ceremonies.
It is important to note that working with cows’ horns can be dangerous, as they can cause injury if not handled properly. Farmers and handlers of Gir cows should take appropriate precautions to avoid injury when working with these animals.
Ears:
The ears of Gyr cows are one of their distinguishing features, as they are long and droopy, with tufts of hair at the tips. The length and shape of the ears may serve a practical purpose in hot climates, as they can regulate body temperature by increasing surface area for heat dissipation.
The tufts of hair at the tips of the ears may protect the ears from insects and other pests. In addition, the long and droopy shape of the ears may also enhance the cow’s hearing ability, allowing them to detect potential predators or other dangers in their environment.
It is worth noting that ear infections and other ear-related health issues can occur in Gyr cows and other breeds of cows. Proper ear care, including regular cleaning and monitoring for signs of infection, can help maintain these animals’ health and wellbeing.
Hump:
The hump on the back of Gyr cows is a distinctive feature that sets them apart from other cattle breeds. The hump comprises muscle and fat tissue between the cow’s shoulders.
The hump serves several important purposes for Gyr cows. One of the primary functions is to provide energy and nutrients during times of scarcity. The hump stores fat, which can be broken down and used by the cow’s body as an energy source when food is scarce.
The hump also helps to regulate body temperature in hot climates. The hump is located over the cow’s thoracic vertebrae, which are located near the cow’s vital organs. The large mass of the hump helps to dissipate heat from the body, allowing the cow to maintain a more comfortable body temperature in hot weather.
The size and shape of the hump can vary between individual Gyr cows and may be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and nutrition. However, a well-developed hump is generally considered a desirable trait in Gyr cows, as it is a sign of good health and a capacity to store energy for future use.
Colour:
The Gyr cow is known for its distinctive coat color, which is usually a shade of light to dark brown or tan. However, the exact color of the coat can vary depending on the individual cow and may range from light beige to dark reddish-brown.
In addition to their base coat color, Gyr cows may have white markings on their face, legs, or belly. Some Gyr cows may also have spots or patches of white or other colors on their coat.
The color of a Gyr cow’s coat is influenced by genetics and environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight and diet. Generally, a shiny and healthy-looking coat is considered a sign of good health and nutrition in Gyr cows and is a desirable trait for breeders and farmers.
Physical Appearance:
Other than these specific features, the Gyr cow has a significant body. The Gyr cow has a long whip-like tail, the hairs of the cow are short and glossy, the hooves are black and medium in size, the hip bones of Gyr cow are prominent, have loose and pliable skin, the udder of the cow is well developed, the overall body is well proportioned, the weight of Gyr cows varies from one breed to others. Approximately Gyr cattle have 350-580 kgs of weight.
Origin Of Gyr Cow:
- Gyr cow originated in West India and the state of Gujarat. After that spread to neighboring states such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
- The average weight of this cow is almost 385 kg, and 130 cm in height.
- Bulls weigh almost 545 kg and have a height of 140 cm.
- At the time of birth, calves weigh about 20 kg.
Regarding the region of tier origin, Gir or Gyr originated from Gir forest regions surrounding District Gujarat.
History Of Gyr Cow:
The history of the Gyr cow is closely tied to the history of cattle domestication in India, which dates back thousands of years. Cattle have been an important part of Indian culture and agriculture since ancient times and have played a key role in the country’s economy and social fabric.
The Gyr cow is believed to have evolved from indigenous cattle populations in the Gir forest region of Gujarat, where the breed has been present for hundreds of years. Over time, the breed was selectively bred for its adaptive traits and productivity, leading to the development of the distinctive physical features of the Gyr cow today.
In the early 20th century, Gyr cows were exported to Brazil, where they quickly gained popularity for their hardiness, adaptability, and milk production. Today, Brazil is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Gyr cows, and the breed is an important part of the country’s dairy industry.
In recent years, Gyr cows have also been exported to other countries, including the United States and Australia, where they are bred for milk and meat production. Despite being a relatively small breed in terms of the global population, the Gyr cow is highly valued for its unique combination of physical traits and adaptive abilities. She is an important part of many agricultural systems around the world.
Gyr Cattle Diet:
Gyr cattle, a breed of cattle native to India, have a diet that primarily consists of grass and forage. In their natural habitat, they graze on a variety of grasses, shrubs, and other plants that are found in the savannahs and semi-arid regions of India.
When being raised for commercial purposes, Gyr cattle are often fed a balanced diet that includes high-quality forage, such as hay and silage, as well as grains, protein supplements, and minerals. The specific diet and feeding regimen will vary depending on the age and weight of the animals, as well as the intended use (i.e., dairy or beef production).
It’s important to note that a balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of Gyr cattle, as an inadequate or imbalanced diet can lead to health problems and reduced productivity. Cattle farmers and nutritionists typically work together to develop a customized feeding plan that meets the specific needs of their herd.
Jowar/Sorghum:
It is one of the best feeds for Gyr cows, as it is helpful for the digestive system as it contains fibers. It is also suitable for free radicals, and it also boosts the immunity of cows.
Bajra Straw:
It is rich in Magnesium. And good for the heart health of cattle. It is also beneficial for controlling blood pressure, and insufficient cholesterol levels, and preventing cattle from other diseases.
Dry Fodder:
It helps boost the energetic level of cattle bodies. Dry fodder is equally essential for cattle as green fodder and helps to keep cattle active and fresh for a long time.
Jaggery:
The consumption of jaggery by cattle is good for improving milk taste. It is also suitable for changing the taste of regular food. Other than these, Gyr cattle can also eat vegetables such as Beetroots, Carrots, and Drumsticks.
And if we talk about Gyr cattle daily feed, you should have to feed 1 kg of compound cattle feed and 15 kg of green fodder grass. Pregnant cows’ feed ratio will almost double according to cattle needs and body requirements.
You can also feed Gyr cattle small pampering balls made with a portion of Dalia, Neem, and ginger. This food treat will act as powerful mouth care for Gyr cows. You can also add tulsi and neem to their drinking water. It will be a source of natural health booster tonic for Gyr cattle.
Benefits Of Gyr Cow Dairy Farm:
There are several benefits to having a Gyr cow dairy farm:
- High milk yield: Gyr cows are known for their high milk yield, ranging from 10 to 20 liters per day, depending on their diet and other management factors.
- Adaptability: Gyr cows are well adapted to tropical climates and can tolerate high temperatures and humidity, making them suitable for dairy farming in many parts of the world.
- Disease resistance: Gyr cows have a high level of resistance to many common diseases, such as tick-borne diseases, which can help reduce the need for antibiotics and other medications.
- Nutritional value: The milk produced by Gyr cows is high in nutritional value, with a high protein and fat content, making it a valuable commodity for dairy farmers and consumers.
- Income generation: Gyr cow dairy farming can be profitable, generating income through milk sales and other related products, such as cheese and butter.
- Sustainability: Gyr cows are well adapted to grazing and can thrive on natural grasses and other forage, making them a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for dairy farming.
Gyr cow dairy farming offers a range of benefits, including high milk yield, adaptability to tropical climates, disease resistance, high nutritional value, income generation, and sustainability.
Conclusion:
The Gyr cow is one of the best cows producing high quantity and quality milk production. Different things related to Gyr cows are discussed in this article, such as their origin, characteristics, milk qualities, diet plans, and other essential things.
One should know complete details about the cattle breed before starting their business to know everything in advance and run the business smoothly. The price of Gyr cattle varies from region to region and differs because of cattle size, age, and weight.
But on average, Gyr cow costs start from 30000 rupees, gradually increasing to 60000 to almost 200000 according to different characteristics. Thus, there are no particular side effects of having Gyr cattle, as they are one of the healthiest cattle. But they always need proper treatments, check-ups, and proper care.
So, you can check their medical health after 2 to 3 months to ensure their proper growth. Other than these, all the details about Gyr cows have already been discussed in this article, so that you can follow this as a complete guide about Gyr cows.
