Cattle are considered sacred in Indian religions because their products supply nourishment, the cow is associated with motherhood and Mother Earth. The cow is so generous, taking nothing but water, grass and grain. It gives and gives and gives of its milk, as does the liberated soul give of his spiritual knowledge. The cow is so vital to life, the virtual sustainer of life, for many humans. There are many Indigenous breed of cow among which Gir Breed is the most significant one. The Gir cow is an indigenous breed of cattle in India and is well-known for its unique characteristics and the high quality of its milk. The birthplace of this cow is Gir forest region (Junagadh), Gujarat. These cows are known for their resilience and ability to adapt to various weather conditions.
The milk of the Gir cow is considered to be highly nutritious, and it has several distinctive features that set it apart from the milk of other breeds of cows. Here are some of the key features of Gir cow milk:
Rich in Nutrients
Gir cow’s milk contains fat which typically ranges from 4% to 5%. This makes it ideal for producing dairy products such as butter, ghee, and cheese. Additionally, Gir cow milk is rich in essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamin D, as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
A2 Milk
Gir cow milk is often referred to as A2 milk, which means that it contains only the A2 beta- casein protein. The milk that we consume mostly contains the A1 protein which is the main reason for lactose intolerance. Gir cow milk or the pure desi ghee made from it contains A2 proteins which are less likely to trigger lactose intolerance and are easily digestible.
Medicinal Properties:
It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is said to be particularly effective in treating skin conditions, digestive problems, and respiratory disorders. The milk’s moisturizing properties also make it an essential ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products like soaps, lotions, and face creams.
Disease Resistance:
The Gir cow is known for its hardiness and resistance to diseases, which means that its milk is free from antibiotics and other harmful substances that can be found in milk from other breeds.
Adaptability:
The Gir cow can adapt well to a variety of environments, including hot and humid climates. Gir cows have a prominent hump on their back that is made of muscle and fat. This hump helps them store energy and survive in arid environments.
Infant food:
Due to its high nutritional content, Gir cow milk is also an excellent choice for infant food. Its richness in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients makes it an ideal choice for the growth and development of infants.
As an almost complete meal, Gir cow milk provides our body with 12% additional protein, 33% additional Vitamin D, 25% additional Vitamin A, 15% additional Calcium. So if we consume this on regular basis it will be very beneficial for all.
–Dr Laxmi Kant Sharma
Madhav College of Agriculture, Madhav University, Abu Road