Gir, also known as Gyr or Gur, are a medium to medium large
cattle, depending on whether they were developed in the Gyr valley region or in
the surrounding mountain area. They can be either spotted (very fine spotting
similar to roan in shorthorn) or rich red with varying degrees of the two
combined.
Their undercoat is always red even on cattle that may almost
appear white. Gyr are extremely intelligent and very willing cattle to work
with. Their hair is coated with an oil that is secreted by the skin that is a
natural insect repellent. They also have an extra layer of muscle tissue just
under the skin (like in horses) which enables them to shake their skin to
remove or discourage parasites.
Gir are very social cattle and spend a lot of time licking,
touching, and leaning on each other. The bulls tend to protect the herd and the
whole herd protects the calves. The cows seem to rotate being nurse maids and a
large number of the calves stay together with them, but as soon as there is a
disturbance the whole herd will gallop back to protect them.
About Gir Cattle
