Cows play a crucial role in agriculture and some specific breeds have extraordinarily sky-high prices due to their uncommon genetics, superior quality genes, and unique traits.
These elite bovines are precious and expensive possessions that get millions of dollars at auctions. Among the most expensive cows are the Wagyu from Japan and the Brahman cows from India, which are highly resilient and adaptable to hot climates. Recently, a Nelore cow named Viatina-19 from Brazil set a new record by being sold for a staggering $4 million.
Viatina-19 has made history in Minas Gerais, Brazil, as the world’s most expensive Nelore cow. At 1,101 kg that is double the weight of a typical adult of her breed.
Viatina-19 holds the Guinness World Record for being the highest-priced cow, she has also been crowned Miss South America at the Champions of the World, for her beauty for unmatched genetics and muscular build.
Viatina-19 is a purebred Nelore cow known for her distinct physical characteristics. She has striking white fur, which is typical of the Nelore breed. Her loose skin and prominent hump on her shoulders are also characteristic features. These physical traits are not just aesthetically pleasing but are vital for her adaptability to hot climates.
The loose skin helps with heat dissipation, while the hump stores fat, providing energy during scarce food availability. Viatina-19’s robust build and muscular frame contribute to her impressive stature, making her a valuable asset in the cattle industry and a prime example of superior livestock genetics.
Viatina-19 is a great example of the highest level of excellence in cattle breeding. Her characteristics make her an invaluable asset in cattle business, and her lineage will be visible well into the future as her eggs will be sold globally to shape the future of cattle breeding.
The Nelore breed, originally from India and known as Ongole cattle, was introduced to Brazil in the 1800s. These cattle are highly valued due to their efficient heat tolerance, disease resistance, effective grazing habits, and strong muscular build. These traits make Nelore cattle particularly expensive and sought after, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where such characteristics are essential for livestock management. As a result, Nelore cattle have become a cornerstone of the livestock industry in these areas, contributing significantly to agricultural productivity and economic growth.
The breed also possesses an excellent reproductive capacity and promises to produce offspring with superior traits, overall making the Nelore breed a better one.
What is Ongole cattle?
Ongole cattle, also called Nellore cattle, originate from the Ongole region in the Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India. Ongole cattle are known to be strong and rough. Several special features characterize these cattle and make them valuable in local as well as global livestock industries.
One of the unique features of Ongole cattle is their exceptional heat tolerance. Adapted to the hot and humid climates of Southern India, these cattle can easily survive in environments where other breeds may struggle. This trait makes them especially demanded in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
The Ongole cattle are also famous for their disease resistance. With their resistance to common cattle diseases, the use of medical intervention is lessened and healthier herds with lower maintenance costs are produced. They are also efficient grazers, as they make good use of the available forage and maintain a good body condition even in the most challenging environments.
The breed has a muscular build and strength, which has helped them to be used in many different types of agricultural work, including plowing fields and pulling carts. They have also been used in crossbreeding programs to improve the genetic qualities of other cattle breeds because of this robustness.
Ongole cattle have been exported to several countries, including Brazil, where they played an important role in developing the Nelore breed. The genes of Ongole cattle has been a foundation for improving livestock quality and productivity in various parts of the world.
[Times of India]