Question

Which one of the following is an indigenous dairy breed of cattle :

• A. Amritmahal
• B. Hallikar
• C. Gir
• D. Kangayam

Hint:

Dairy breeds (Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi) generally have loose skin and a well-developed dewlap, whereas Draught breeds have very tight skin and prominent, upright horns.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Indian cattle (Bos indicus) are categorized into three groups: Dairy breeds (high milk yield), Draught breeds (strong for field work), and Dual-purpose breeds.

Step 1: Analyze the Gir breed.
The Gir breed, originating from the Gir forests of Gujarat, is one of the most famous indigenous dairy breeds. It is known for its high tolerance to tropical diseases and its ability to produce significant quantities of milk (average 2000–2500 kg per lactation). It has been exported to countries like Brazil to develop high-yielding dairy strains like 'Girlando'.

Step 2: Evaluate Draught breeds.
* Amritmahal, Hallikar, and Kangayam are classic examples of Draught breeds. They are physically strong, have compact bodies, and are primarily used for agricultural labor and transport, but their milk production is very low.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Among the choices provided, only Gir is classified as a specialized dairy breed.