The differentiation of two breeds of indigenous cows are elaborated in this article. These two breeds are Gir and Sahiwal. Nowadays, these two breeds of cows are the main topic of discussion all over India. Both breeds are excellent. Both have their own characteristic features. Then what is the logic behind differentiating them? Is this what you are thinking?
We are asked questions since five years. And that is because we are working on Sahiwal breed of cows as well as on Gir breed of cows in Kamdhenu Gaushala. We had not written anything on this topic before, but now we can write because we are nurturing Gir since past twelve years and Sahiwal since fifteen years. So, we are sharing with you what we have experienced.
The motive of this context is not to define one as superior breed and other as inferior. Whatever is defined in this article is our own experience.
First difference is that Sahiwal is a breed found in Punjab and Gir is found in Gujarat. The counting of Gir Cows is much more as compared to Sahiwal cows. The colour of Sahiwal is pale yellow, tan red or brownish whereas Gir is found in many colours. Gir can also be of the same colour as of Sahiwal and it is also found in various colours, white colour, brown colour, etc. Sahiwal is found in only one colour i.e., reddish-brown but it can be little light or brighter.
Big Horns of Gir Cow
The horns of Sahiwal Cows are very small. Sometimes they are little larger than the human finger or sometimes they are equivalent to hand. Whereas the horns of Gir are very Big. Though the size of horns of Gir are big but along with that their horns also grow differently. It keeps on growing whole life. The horns of Sahiwal grow till some time but then they remain as it is.
The Issue Regarding Big Horns of Gir
If i talk of horns, sometimes the horns of Gir becomes a big problem. The reason is that sometimes the horns of Gir Cows or Nandis grow while pressing down the ears. The part between the ears and horns does not get air. So, slowly it increases injuries over there. The area is so narrow that it even becomes very difficult to apply medicine on it. The cows do itching on the horns with the help of their feet.
Cutting of Horns of Gir is Very Painful
When the injuries increase then sometimes, the horns need to be cut and it is very painful. The weight of horns of Gir breeds of cows is also much more. Nature has made the horns of Gir of Gujarat and Jafrabadi buffalos such but since the horns of Sahiwal are small so it does not arise any such problem in them. Due to the small size, the horns of Sahiwal are dehorned.
Size and Weight
Now we will talk about the size and weight of Gir cow. The size of Gir cows is double or even one and a half times more than the size of Sahiwal Cows. The size of Jafrabadi buffalos of Gujarat is also bigger than the size of breeds of buffalos of other states. Sahiwal consists of small size. As the size increases correspondingly fodder intake also increases.
Head of the Gir is Bigger than Sahiwal
The head of Gir cow is very large than the Sahiwal cow. It is round from above. Gir cow’s head looks similar to the reversed basin/shallow pan. The head of Sahiwal looks similar to the head of other breeds like Haryana, Tharparkar, Rathi, Gangatiri, Red Sindhi etc. Gir is the only breed of cows whose head does not match with any other breed. The mouth of Sahiwal is also small. Gir’s mouth is long and big in size. Two main features between Gir and Sahiwal are the difference in size of horns and mouth.
Difference of Eyes
Now let’s talk about eyes. Sahiwal’s eyes are as beautiful as the eyes of deer. Along the eyes is an edge of black colour. That black edge looks as if someone has put kohl in the eyes of Sahiwal. Gir’s eyes seems to be almost close always. It is considered as her breed character that as much her eyes remain close that much pure Gir she is. You will never find the eyes of Gir to be wide open. The problem of shedding water from the eyes of Gir is also very common.
Difference of Ears
The ears of Gir cows are of different type than any other breed. Their ears droop/sag down like the ears of goat. The ears are so revolved from inside as if someone has twisted the bread/chapatti. Their ears do not match with any other indigenous breed of cows found in Bharat. The crossing of air is very less in the ears of Gir cow. As compared to it, the ears of Sahiwal cows are less turned inside. So, the crossing of air is quite good.
Difference of Milk
If we talk about the milk yield capacity, then the quantity of milk yielded by Sahiwal cows is high as compared to Gir cows. Sahiwal breed of cows yields milk even up to 25kg whereas in Gir, cows giving 15 to 20 kg milk alone is found. Whereas the size of Gir cows are double than Sahiwal cows but being smaller in size than Gir Cows, the capacity of yielding milk in Sahiwal cows is more.
Difference in Fat
If along with milk, we talk about the fat content also then it is found that the fat content produced by the milk of Sahiwal is almost equivalent to the milk of Buffalo. Sometimes the fat of Sahiwal’s milk reaches up to 6 or 9.
Difference in Nature
If we talk about the nature, then they are humble. As compared to Gir, Sahiwal easily make closeness with human. Whereas Gir hesitates. Usually after seeing the size of head and horns of Gir cows people are scared of going close to them but these are polite in nature.
Strong Nandi of Gir
If it is the matter of ploughing, then the Nandis of Gir are more experienced in ploughing the fields nicely. But compared to them the Nandis of Sahiwal are seen to be lazier. While if we use the Nandis of Sahiwal in transportation then they will work good.
Difference of Tolerance Against Heat and Cold
The skin of Sahiwal cows is thick. This is the reason that Sahiwal has good adaptability against heat and cold. Whereas Gir cows have good adaptability of tolerating heat but in winter it feels cold. It is cold in Punjab as compared to Gujarat. Sahiwal is easily adaptable to cold. In winter, Gir cows need extra care.
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