A recent auction in June 2023 saw a four-and-a-half-year-old Nelore cow named Viatina-19 FIV Mara Emovis become the world’s most expensive cow, fetching a staggering $4.3 million.
Nelore cattle are renowned for commanding high prices at auctions, with their steep costs often resulting in shared ownership among individuals or corporations.
- Good genes for breeding: Their desirable traits make them ideal for breeding future generations of cattle.
- Environmental friendly: Nelore cattle might have a lower environmental impact compared to other breeds due to their unique characteristics.
- Heat tolerance: Their slow metabolism makes them resistant to the hot climate.
- Low-quality pastures: They can efficiently digest even low-quality forage.
- Pest resistance: Their tough skin helps them ward off parasites and insects.
Brazil’s prominent position in the beef industry, boasting a colossal herd of 225 million cattle, including Nelore, is poised to persist. This can be attributed in part to the Nelore breed’s remarkable resilience in Brazil’s demanding environment, coupled with China’s struggle against African swine fever. The latter has led to significant losses in their pig population and a substantial surge in demand for Brazilian beef.
The unprecedented prices paid for Nelore cattle underscore their exceptional genetic qualities, characterized by their robust metabolism and adeptness at adapting to the Brazilian terrain. Undoubtedly, they are set to remain a valuable asset for the future of the country’s beef industry.