Gir and Kankrej cattle

About Kankrej:

• It is also called as Wadad or Waged, Wadhiar.
• It is originated from Southeast Rann of Kutch of Gujarat and adjoining Rajasthan (Barmer and Jodhpur district).
• Colour of the animal varies from silver-grey to iron-grey or steel black.
• It is valued for fast, powerful, draught cattle and also useful in ploughing and carting.
• Kankrej, famously known as Guzerat in Brazil, is being maintained in large numbers as a pure breed in that country. 

Key facts about Gir breed

• It is a famous Indian-born dairy cattle breed.
• It is also known as “Bhodali”, “Desan”, “Gujarati”, “Kathiawari”, “Sorthi”, and “Surati”. 
• Its native tract is Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar in Gujarat.
• It is a world-renowned breed known for its tolerance to stress conditions and resistant to various tropical diseases.

Why from Brazil?

• Brazil has preserved the original breed of Gir cows that was gifted by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar to Brazil in the 18th century.
• Indian cattle like Gir and Kankrej, which were exported centuries back, have been suitably modified to yield large quantities of milk in Brazil.
• Both countries are working on training and capacity building, including technology transfer.