Ongole breed cow becomes world's most expensive cow, sells for Rs 40 crore in Brazil auction

Nellore: Viatina-19, a remarkable Ongole breed cow, has become the talk of the town. It has set a new world record by being sold for Rs 40 crore ($4.8 million) at an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil. They are named ‘Nelore’ after the district of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh.

Known as the world’s most expensive cow, it weighs an impressive 1,101 kilograms—nearly twice the average for her breed. Their most distinctive characteristic is the presence of a prominent ‘hump’ behind their neck.

Renowned for her exceptional genetics and physical attributes, Viatina-19 has gained international recognition. She won the prestigious ‘Miss South America’ title at the Champions of the World competition, thanks to her outstanding muscle structure and rare genetic lineage. Her superior qualities make her highly sought after, with her embryos being exported globally to improve cattle breeding programs.

This breed is auctioned at regular intervals. In one such auction in 2023 at Arandu, Brazil, Viatina-19 fetched $4.3 million. In 2024, Viatina-19 sold for $4.8 million at an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This made her the world’s most expensive cow.

On Thursday, chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed happiness. “Ongole Bull shows its strength on the world stage - this one fetched 41 Cr in an international market showcasing AP's rich livestock heritage to the world! The Ongole cattle is renowned for its superior genetics, strength and endurance. GoAP is working to conserve this breed and support dairy farmers,” wrote Naidu on X.

Origin from Nellore

According to data from Oklahoma State, there has never existed in India a breed called Nellore. This name corresponds to a district of the old Presidency of Madrás, now belonging to the new State of Andra, by the Bengal Sea. It was in Brazil that some authors started to use the name Nellore as a synonym for Ongole, the Indian breed that contributed most to the creation of the Nelore.

The history of the Ongole dates back 2,000 years before Christian times. It was the Aryan people who brought the ancestors of the Nelore to India, where they were subjected to extreme weather conditions. The arid lands of Baluchistan, the cold winters of Punjab, the alluvial lands of the Ganges and the torrid lands by the Bengal Sea provided the Ongole breed with the adaptation genes that are now favourably expressed in the modern Nelore.

Why so expensive?

The Nelore breed is prized for its resilience and adaptability.

Originating from the Ongole region of Andhra Pradesh, these cattle can withstand extreme temperatures, making them invaluable in tropical and subtropical regions. Their strong immunity and disease resistance enable them to thrive in harsh environments with minimal care, increasing their global demand.

With its striking white coat, prominent shoulder hump, and loose skin, this cow breed is well-suited for hot climates. The loose skin aids in heat dissipation, while the hump stores fat, allowing survival during periods of food scarcity.

Brazil become largest breeder

Since the 1800s, the Nelore cow has played a crucial role in Brazil’s cattle industry. Their muscular build and high reproductive capacity have significantly improved livestock productivity and genetic quality in the country.

Reports say, Brazil has become the largest breeder of Nellore, and from there, the breed was exported to Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, Central America, Mexico, the United States and many other countries.