Gyr Cow Preservation Center

The Gir or Gyr is an Indian breed of zebuine cattle.

Zebuine cattle (Bos indicus), or Zebu, are humped, domesticated cattle originating from South Asia, specifically designed for tropical survival. 

It originated in the Kathiawar peninsula in the state of Gujarat, and the name of the breed derives from that of the Gir Hills in that region. Other names include Bhodah, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi and Surti. The Gir is distinctive in appearance, typically having a rounded and domed forehead, long pendulous ears and horns which spiral out and back. Gir is resistant to hot temperatures and tropical diseases. It is well known for its milk producing qualities. Gir cattle was also exported and selectively breed as ‘Gir Leiteiro’ in Brazil, ‘Brahman’ breed in North America, ‘Bos indicus’ in South American countries.