Gyr

The Gyr, also spelled Gir, is an Indian zebu dairy cattle breed from the Gir forest region and surrounding parts of Gujarat. It is immediately recognizable by its domed forehead, long pendulous ears, and horns that sweep back and then curve upward. Coat color ranges from red and white to speckled, mottled, or nearly solid red. Gyr cattle became especially influential in Brazil, where selection for milk production produced the dairy Gir and helped create the Girolando, a Holstein-Gyr cross used in tropical dairying.

People keep Gyr cattle for heat-adapted milk production, purebred zebu breeding, and crossbreeding in warm regions. They handle high temperatures and insects better than many European dairy breeds, but milk yield depends on feed quality, calm milking routines, udder structure, and calf management. The ears and horns need space in yards and restraint facilities, and young stock should be socialized early because mature bulls are powerful. Breeders selecting Gyr animals usually look past color to milk records, teat placement, fertility, and functional feet.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Lineback, Mottled, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Red Spots, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow