Tag Archives: Gir

The Brazilian Dairy Gir

The Brazilian Dairy Gir Breeding Programme aims to improve the Gir breed for milk production in tropical regions. Established in 1985, it is the first breeding programme of its kind in the world and has made use of various technical innovations, including genomic predictions. The Gir breed is native to India and is better adapted to tropical conditions than European breeds. The breeding programme has had notable success in improving the productivity and reproductive performance of the Gir breed, with average milk yield increasing by 25% over the past two decades. It has also developed a genetic improvement programme for beef production using Gir, and there are now more than seven million Gir cows in Brazil.

Zebu cattle have had a significant influence on modern cattle breeds

Zebu cattle, also known as humped cattle or indicine cattle, are a type of domesticated bovine native to South Asia that are adapted to hot, arid climates. They are characterised by a prominent hump on their shoulders, long ears, and a large dewlap, and are known for their ability to tolerate heat and resist diseases prevalent in tropical regions. Zebu cattle were introduced to other parts of the world, including Africa and South America, where they were crossed with local cattle breeds to create new strains that were more heat tolerant and disease resistant. Today, Zebu cattle make up a significant portion of the world’s cattle population and are used for a variety of purposes, including meat, milk, and draught power. They are also valued for their cultural and historical significance.