Appearance

Sahiwal cows has its origin at Sahiwal in the Montgomery district of Punjab in Pakistan while the Gir cow is a native of Sourashtra region of Gujarat bordering the Gir forests.  Both of these breeds are popular dairy breeds and extensively used for breeding purpose in India as well as overseas. Sahiwal-cows have a brownish red coat color with shades of red to greyish red. Some of them bear white patches, on the neck and the underline. The Gir cows have shining red body fur with scattered white spots. The Sahiwal-cows have short horns, large udders, and medium-sized dewlap. Gir cows are good looking with a wide forehead, drowsy eyes, and large pendulous ears.

Status in the Dairy Industry

Both the cows are extensively used in the dairy industry in India in their native breeding tract, but the Gir cows have reached other parts of India also and domesticated for the dairy purpose. The average milk yield per lactation of Sahiwal-cow is 2325 Kg, comparatively more with that of the Gir cows, where the average milk production per lactation is 1590 kg.

Why Sahiwal cow and Gir cow both preferred in dairy farming?

High milk production, ability to withstand against environmental stress like the high-temperature, ease of calving,  prolonged fertile period lasting up to 20 years, resistance towards parasites, drought tolerance, and bloat tolerance are some of the compatible qualities of Sahiwal which attract dairy farmers.   Gir cow is preferred for dairy farming due to the high quantity and quality of its milk with higher nutritional index. The Gir cows are also well known for their human-friendly nature. They are well adapted for pasture grazing, and hence can be maintained economically in localities where pastures are available. They are resistant to vector-borne diseases and sustain environmental stress.

Both the cows and have several common and few distinct advantages which make them the right choice for dairy farming.