The Gyr originated in the
Kathiawar peninsula in the
state of
Gujarat the name of the breed derives from that of the Gir Hills in that region. Its traditional breeding range extended into the
Amreli,
Bhavnagar,
Junagadh and
Rajkot districts of the state. It was known by a number of different names, among them 'Bhodah', 'Desan', 'Gujarati', 'Kathiawari', 'Sorthi' and 'Surti'. It has been used locally in the improvement of other breeds including the
Red Sindhi and the
Sahiwal. It was also one of the breeds used in the development of the
Brahman breed in North America. In
Brazil and other South American countries the Gir is used frequently because, as a
Bos indicus breed, it is resistant to hot temperatures and tropical diseases. It is well known for its
milk producing qualities and is often bred with
Friesian cows to make the
Girolando breed. == Characteristics ==