Ghee guide
The Gir cow: India's indigenous A2 breed
By Vedika Ghee · 30 July 2026
Behind every jar of genuine A2 ghee is the animal that gives the milk. For the best desi ghee, that animal is usually the Gir cow, one of India's finest indigenous breeds.
What is a Gir cow?
The Gir is an indigenous (desi) cattle breed from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is easy to recognise by its domed forehead, long drooping ears, and hardy build suited to the Indian climate. Unlike high-yield crossbred and foreign breeds, the Gir is a native breed adapted to local conditions over centuries.
Why Gir cow milk is A2
Indigenous Indian cows like the Gir naturally produce milk with the A2 type of beta-casein protein. Many crossbred and foreign-origin cows produce the A1 type instead. A lot of people find A2 milk, and the ghee made from it, easier to digest, which is the main reason A2 Gir cow products are sought after.
Desi cow vs crossbred cow
- Desi (indigenous) cows like Gir, Sahiwal and Rathi give less milk, but it is A2 and prized for quality.
- Crossbred and foreign cows give far more milk, but often the A1 type, and are bred mainly for volume.
This is why genuine desi cow ghee costs more. The yield is lower, and the milk is valued for what is in it, not how much of it there is.
Why Gir cow ghee is prized
Ghee made from A2 Gir cow milk, especially by the slow bilona method, carries a rich aroma, a grainy set, and the easy digestibility that Ayurveda has valued for generations. The breed, the feed, and the method all matter. Free-grazing indigenous cows on natural feed give milk that factory dairy cannot match.
Our ghee comes from indigenous A2 Gir cows and is hand-churned the bilona way.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gir cow milk A2?+
Yes. Indigenous breeds like the Gir naturally produce A2 beta-casein milk, which many people find easier to digest than the A1 milk common in crossbred cows.
What is the difference between a desi cow and a Gir cow?+
Gir is one specific indigenous (desi) breed from Gujarat. Desi is the general term for native Indian breeds, which also includes Sahiwal, Rathi and others.
Why is Gir cow ghee more expensive?+
Indigenous cows give less milk than crossbred cows, and the A2 milk is valued for quality. Combined with the slow bilona method, this makes genuine Gir cow ghee cost more.