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The Gyr or Gir is one of the principal Zebu breeds originating in India. 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 American Brahman breed if cattle in the United States. In Brazil and other South American countries the Gyr is used frequently because, as a Bos indicus breed, it is resistant to hot temperatures and tropical diseases. It is also very known for its milk producing qualities and is often bred with Friesian cows to make the Girolando breed.
The Gyr is distinctive in appearance, typically having a rounded and domed forehead (being the only ultra convex breed in the world), long pendulous ears and horns which spiral out and back. Gyr are generally mottled with the color ranging from red through yellow to white, black being the only unacceptable color. The undercoat is always red even on cattle that may almost appear white. They originated in southwest India in the state of Gujarat and have since spread to neighboring Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Gyr can be a medium to medium large animal, depending on whether they were developed in the Gyr valley region or in the surrounding mountain area. Their hair is coated with an oil that is secreted by their skin and is a natural insect repellent. Another feature of zebu cattle is their extra layer of muscle tissue just under the skin, very similar to horses. This extra layer of muscle tissue in Zebu cattle allows them to shake their skin to remove or discourage parasites. The Gyr breed of cattle was kept by local people known as Maldhari for their livelihood. The breed is known for its distinct appearance, height & weight and natural beauty. The breed is today on the verge of extinction from India as people of India are using more of buffalo milk then the cow’s milk.
At Butler Farms we have imported some of the very best Gyr cattle available. Since the number of Gyr cattle in the United States are limited, and this breed of Bos indicus cattle is part of the foundation of the American Brahman breed, we feel it is important to continue to breeding and registering Gyr cattle in the U.S. If you would like more information about Butler farms Gyr cattle please contact us today!
