Brazil prefers Gir Cow
Q. Which breed of cow is preferred by Brazil for their breeding programs?- Published on 10 May 16a. Gir Cow
b. Red Sindhi
c. Sahiwal Cow
d. Jersey Cow
ANSWER: Gir Cow
- Gujarat is estimated to have only around 3,000 pure breed Gir cows left.
- Only recently, two containers with embryos of the breed were flown to Brazil to improve the stock of cows there. The embryos were developed in a laboratory in Bhavnagar which has been funded at a cost of Rs 2 crore by cattle breeders of Brazil.
- The last major export of the breed to Brazil took place in 1960, after which laws made import and export of animals difficult. The South American country has taken very good care of the breed, but they need fresh blood every three to four generations because of which the embryos were flown there.
- In Brazil, the Indian cows are known as the Zebu breed. Brazilian farmers first shipped three cattle breeds from India Gir and Kankrej from Gujarat and Ongole from Andhra Pradesh, in 1850. These breeds were essentially for use in agriculture and for beef. But they soon found out that Gir cow gave large quantities of milk.
- Pedigreed Gir cows in Brazil get the Pure Origin India (POI) tag. Each animal's pedigree and DNA is registered with Association of Brazilian Zebu Breeders, an apex body.
