Today most of the dairies in India produce milk from cows like Gir, Jersey and HF cows (Holstein Friesian). Now we will know about the major difference between the Gir and HF cows.
A full guide to fifference between the Gir and HF cows
These are the present stock of Indian cows which were led from the ancient subspecies – Indian Aurochs.  The Gir cow is mostly famous for its nutritious value in its milk and also it is well known for its hardiness and its adaptability. The Gir cows are originated from a harsh and dry environment in Gujarat. It is one of the most famous among Indian cow breeds. Gir cow’s milk contains amino acids like Proline which are bonded with Isoleucine; which plays an important role in fighting against obesity, mental problems, joint pain, asthma, infectious diseases, etc. The basic color of the skin is white with dark red or brown patches and sometimes black with half-moon shaped horns. These cows are more disease resistant and well known for its unique quality. Gir cows are good milk yielders. The yield ranges from 1,200-1,800 Kg’s per lactation. Gir cows are also known as Surati, Desan, Bhadawari, Kathiawari, Gujarati, and Sorthi.
Gir cattle characteristics
These cows are distinctive with a big head prominent bulging shield with a long face. The forehead is convex in shape which is the most unique feature of this breed. This forehead acts as a cooling radiator to the brain and pituitary gland. They have very long ears that are excellent in fly and insect swatter. Eyes are surrounded by a lot of loose skin and are hooded; black pigment in the eye area. The horns are thick at base and pointed towards head giving half-moon shape. Gir cows have a large hump and the average body weight ranges from 385-545 Kg’s. Their feet are very hard and black in color. In few countries other than India they are raised for beef production. They are very friendly and gentle in nature without harming others. The record production of Gir cow’s milk yield is 3182 Kg. The average life span of Gir cow is 12-15 years and is capable of producing 10-12 calves during their life span.
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A1 milk and A2 milk
In India there is no particular standardization or categorization of milk but nowadays Gir (Indian) cow milk is categorized as A2 milk which is considered as good for health. This categorization is seen in European countries where the cow milk is categorized as A1 & A2.
Suryaketu Naadi
Gir cows have a large hump known as Suryaketu Naadi which is well known for its absorption of Vitamin D from Sun rays and release it into the milk. Hence, Gir cow’s milk contains D- Vitamin in it.
Cholesterol level
Gircows milk contains high levels of omega 3-fatty acids that clean the cholesterol content from the blood vessels and helps in disposing bad cholesterol (LDL) from the body and increases the HDL (good cholesterol).
Hygiene
Gir (Indian) cows are well clever enough to maintain hygiene and do not sit in dirty places. They can adapt themselves as per the climatic conditions and weather change and are hardy in nature.
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Medicinal values in Gir cow’s milk
Gir cow’s milk is rich in Strontium that enhances body immunity, protects from harmful radiations and Cerebrosides helps to increase brain power. The ghee, dung, urine of Gir cows have many invaluable medicinal properties. These products are used in Panchgavya Chikitsa to cure many harmful diseases.
Organic products
The cow dung from these cows is used in Organic farming which yielded good results.
Identification
They have a curvy physical appearance with a long tail, hanging dulip, and prominent hump.
Urine as organic pest control
Gir cow’s urine and cow dung are used as Pest control in the fields to protect the crops from harmful effects of pests and insects.
Cost of Gir cow
The cost of the Gir cow ranges from one lakh to two lakhs depending upon milk production, age, lactation, and pregnancy.
HF cows (Holstein Friesian)
HF cows (Holstein Friesian) are originated from Dutch provinces of North Holland and Friesland. This cow is mostly famous for its highest production of milk 10-15 liters per day that is 580 Kg’s. It has a desirable phenotypic characteristic and can adapt to a wide range of environments. It is easily recognizable by its white and black markings. These are well known as stylish animals due to the color patterns. These breeds at an age of 15 months where they weigh about 800 pounds. It yields 7,200-9,000 Kg’s of milk. These perform well in coastal and delta areas. They are not resistant to heat and diseases like Gir cows. But this resistance has been obtained after cross-breeding with Natural Breeds. HF cows produce vigorous calves that show rapid growth, early maturity and can be managed well with easy care. They are not solitary animals and are good-natured and can be handled easily.
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HF cow cattle characteristics
The average weight of HF cow is 580 Kg’s. These are large, capacious animals with different color patterns of black and white or red and white. HF cows are also horned. They typically exhibit piebald pattern.
A1 and A2 milk
The North American HF cows produce A1 milk which contains a chemical called casomorphine which caused many diseases like Asthma, Heart disease, Diabetes, Cancer, etc. But 90% of HF cows in Germany produce A2 milk and 98% of Indian Cow breeds produce A2 milk.
Suryaketu Naadi
HF cows do not have Suryaketu Naadi.
Cholesterol level
The milk of HF cow contains linoleic acid and N-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids which adds importance to human health. The fat concentration is highest in Holstein cows compared to Gir cows. The protein content is high in HF cows. These give the high productivity of milk which ranges from 15-25 liters per day.
Hygiene
HF cows are a bit lazy when compared to Gir cows. They are also prone to attract infections because of not being hygienic.
Medicinal values
HF cow’s milk, urine, and cow dung do not have any medicinal values.
Organic products
HF cow’s dung is not used in organic farming.
Identification
HF cows do not have any hump and space between their back legs is a bit high and they cannot walk on hilly surface due to laziness. Their shoulders are having 15 meters height and the skin is tight when compared to Gir cows.
Pest control
HF cow dung and urine have a different odor which makes unfit for pest control.
Cost of HF cow
The cost of HF cow ranges from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 65,000 depending upon milk production, age, lactation, and pregnancy.
Conclusion
In this way, Gir cows and HF cows differ in many of the things but both are prominent in yielding the milk breeding calves, friendly in nature. Compared to European HF cow breeds, Indian HF cow breeds have more advantages, whereas Gir cows are well known for producing the milk with D-vitamin.
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