“Gir Cow” is one of the most popular varieties among the humped category of cattle breeds in India. The breed is native to India and belongs to the Kathiawar region of Gujarat. Apart from Gujrat, the Gir breed of cow is also reared in different states of India and is known by different names such as Surti, Sorthi, Desan, Bhodali, Kathiawari, etc depending upon the location. Known for its milk production and adaptability, this cow breed is reared by the tribes found in the state of Gujarat. This breed is considered pure and is probably one of the oldest breeds found in India. The cow’s milk, urine, ghee, and dung are sold at a good rate. Read more

 

Because of their special qualities, many countries like the United States of America, Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico import these breeds. Brazil offers this breed an international presence. Brazil supplies upgraded cattle semen and embryos of Indian-origin cattle to various countries across the world. All over the world, the breed is best known for its dairy production capacity. The natural mating technique is mostly preferred for rearing this breed rather than artificial insemination.

How to identify Gir Cow?

Gir Cow Breed is highly adaptable and can adjust to any habitat conditions. Gir cows are classified into two breeds – Devmani and Swarna Kapila are both advanced breeds. They are mainly red in colour and have long ears and a large forehead. Their horns are big and curved with a huge hump.

Milk Production and Lactation

Gir cow can produce up to 50 litres of milk every day. That is why the popularity of this cattle is booming in the animal husbandry sector. Many schemes are also implemented to protect and increase their numbers. Once they were solely found in Gujarat, but at present, they are common in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana.

Gir cow milk yield per lactation is on an average around 1590 kilos. During the first calving process by these cows, an average of 1600 kilos of milk per lactation is produced. For mature cows, it can increase to around 1800 kilos for each lactation. The milk is healthier and enjoys a huge market demand due to the presence of whey protein and casein in it. The fat quantity is somewhere between 4.7 to 5 per cent. Read more

How to maintain Gir Cow?

Generally, concrete walls or tin shade shelter is used to save the cow from strong snowfall, heavy rainfall, sunlight, parasites, and frost. The house should be properly oxygenated and a clean air facility must be there. Cleaning should be done regularly to avoid the spreading of parasites and incubation of mosquitoes and as well as viruses.  Give them proper nutrient supplements like – Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, and Phosphorus with their food. Manage them properly and provide proper care whenever the cow gets pregnant. Good management practices will result in a healthy calf and also gives a high milk yield. Read more

 

Diseases that commonly affect Gir Cows and their treatment

Many diseases can cause serious illness to your Gir cow. Diseases that commonly affect Gir cows are:-

Digestive system disease

Diseases related to the digestive system like acidic indigestion, simple indigestion, saline indigestion, constipation,  bloody diarrhoea, and acidity. Read more

Treatment of acidic indigestion:

 Avoid feeding acidic fodder to animals.

During the start of this disease, feed animals saline elements like baking soda and medicines which will help to energize their liver.

Treatment of simple indigestion:

Feed them spices which will help them to increase their hunger.

Provide them feed which digests easily. 

Treatment of saline indigestion:

 During the preliminary stage of the disease, give light acid such as 5% acetic acid @5-10ml per animal weight or approx 750ml vinegar to cure the disease.

If a brain stroke is occurring and nothing can be seen after giving medicine 2-3 times, then the doctor should do the rumenotomy operation.

Treatment of constipation:

For heavy animals, the scrape of ginger powder@30gm and solution of Magnesium sulphate@800gm is given to animals through the mouth.

In the initial stage give them flax oil@500 ml and don’t let them have dry fodder as a feed and give them more water.

Treatment of bloody diarrhoea:

 Give sulpha medicines through vaccinations or mouth and along with that give more amount of water and glucose@5%.

Sulpha medicines, antibiotics, opiates, iron elements, or tennoform can also be given to get rid of diarrhoea.

Treatment of acidity

If this disease is seen repeatedly in animals then activated charcoal, Dettol water, and 40% formalin@15-30 ml should be given.

Turpentine oil@30-60ml, extract of mustard/flax oil @500ml or asafoetida (heeng)@60ml is given to animals (don’t let them consume too much turpentine oil, this can lead to stomach issues).

Look at the condition and type of disease of the animal, and consult the vet through our app.

Lead poisoning 

The calf is dull and sunken abdominal pain is the major symptom of lead poisoning. It usually occurs when they lick the painted tarpaulins, metalwork, lead batteries, etc.

Treatment

A dose of calcium versenate @25% is given twice a day to cure lead poisoning in sub-acute cases.

Enteritis/Calf scours/ Diarrhoea

In this disease first, the excessive loss of water occurs then acidosis and dehydration and then the cattle die. The disease mainly occurs due to drinking unclean water, unclean hygiene conditions, and poor feeding systems.

Treatment   

proper ventilation and dry bedding are required.

 

Where can I get Gir cow?

If you are looking to purchase Gir cow, then right away pick up your mobile phone and go to the play store, and download the “Animall” app. Register yourself by verifying your phone number and then tap on the cow section where you will find different-different breeds of cow. Then filter out Gir cow breed, calving, and milk capacity, and then select the best cow from the options available.

Bring home the best Gir cow by following these 3 easy steps.

Enter your district or village name or Pincode.

After entering, tap on the cow section. Here choose the breed of Gir cow and select the calving and milk capacity as per your preference.

Now you will start seeing all the cows around you. You can then select any cow of your preference. Go ahead and bring your most preferred Gir cow to your home.

 

How to list my Gir cow for sale?

If you wish to sell your Gir cow, then for that also you can install our“Animall” app. First, you need to register yourself and then go to the sell animals section. After that, enter the milk capacity, rate, and price of your Gir cow. After you are done filling in all the required details, your cow will be registered on the “Animall” app. Anyone interested in purchasing your cow will call you directly.

Apart from selling and purchasing cattle, you can also get all the necessary information related to all the cattle by installing our app. If your cow is not keeping well then you can directly talk to veterinary doctors through our app. You can get the verified cattle at the best quality and affordable rates and that too without paying any commission to any middleman. Read more

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