Gir Cow — complete guide
Gir is a high-value indigenous dairy breed traded across India for milk production.
Originating from Gujarat (popular in North India trade), Gir Cow is a major reference breed in Indian livestock trade. Buyers across states use this name in listings, mandi negotiations, and dairy planning. Understanding conformation, production norms, and district price context prevents costly mismatches.
Physical characteristics
Key characteristics include Drooped ears, Distinct forehead, Heat tolerant. Inspect horn shape, coat colour, udder attachment, and frame size when verifying breed claims. Traders sometimes label crossbreds with popular breed names — use multiple visual checkpoints.
Photograph animals in daylight for listing transparency and buyer trust.
Milk yield and production
Typical milk yield band: 10–18 L/day. Actual litres depend on ration quality, water access, heat stress, and lactation stage.
Peak lactation management drives lifetime profitability more than purchase price alone.
Weight and body size
Adult weight reference: 400–500 kg. Body condition should match stage — excessive leanness or obesity both harm production and price.
Feed requirements
Green fodder + mineral mix; avoid sudden ration changes
Transition rations gradually after purchase. Sudden concentrate jumps cause rumen upset and milk swings.
Breeding and reproduction
AI common; calving interval 12–15 months
Plan AI or natural service with veterinary timing advice. Long calving intervals erode lifetime margins.
Disease resistance and health
Good heat tolerance; standard vaccination schedule
Maintain vaccination cards for FMD, HS, and species-specific schedules. Quarantine newcomers before mixing herds.
Pricing in mandis
Gir Cow prices move with lactation, district supply, and season. Compare live averages on PashuMate district species pages before negotiating. Premium genetics without health verification often disappoints buyers.
Buying checklist
Inspect feet, udder, teeth age, temperament, and appetite. Ask reason for sale and recent milk averages. Match quotes to district data and budget feed carry-in cost.
Find listings on PashuMate
Browse hyperlocal district pages and map pins filtered for cow near your village. Pair listings with mandi rate trends and related breed comparisons for confident decisions.