VIJAYAWADA: Even as the Ongole breed of cattle remains neglected in its home state Andhra Pradesh, it is creating history overseas. A cow belonging to the Ongole breed, named Viatina-19, made headlines in Brazil by fetching an astonishing 4.82 million US dollars (about Rs 41 crore) at an auction, making it the most expensive cow in the world.
This sale surpassed even Japan’s famed Wagyu and India’s Brahman breed, demonstrating the immense value of Ongole cattle when developed with proper care and scientific breeding.
This breed is auctioned at regular intervals. In one such auction held in 2023 at Arandu in Brazil, Viatina-19 fetched 4.3 million US dollars. Last year, it fetched around $ 4.8 million. This year the breed was auctioned at Minas Gerais in Brazil and fetched $4.82 million.
Originally native to the Prakasam district of AP, Ongole cattle are known for their unique genetic traits, including exceptional physical strength, heat resistance, and superior muscular structure. These qualities make them highly desirable for dairy.
Viatina-19 holds place in Guinness World Records
However, while the breed struggles for attention and preservation in India, countries like Brazil have harnessed its full potential, generating enormous wealth through its fine germplasm. Brazil, which has invested heavily in the development of Ongole cattle, has seen extraordinary success in enhancing the breed’s genetic quality. Viatina-19, raised in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, embodies these enhancements. Weighing an impressive 1,101 kg, she boasts a well-developed muscular build, a characteristic hump, and a loose epidermis (skin) that helps her withstand extreme temperatures.
These features, intrinsic to the Ongole breed, have made her an icon in the global cattle industry.
Viatina-19’s superior genetic lineage has also earned her the “Miss South America” title at the prestigious Cow Champion of the World pageant, further solidifying the Ongole breed’s reputation. She now holds a place in Guinness World Records as the most expensive cow ever sold entering the records books in 2023.
Despite its global recognition, the Ongole breed has not received the same level of attention in its native AP. While farmers in Brazil and other countries are generating significant revenue from Ongole cattle, Indian farmers face challenges due to lack of breeding programmes, inadequate govt support and the rising preference for crossbred cows.
“The Ongole breed is earning huge revenues in Brazil and other countries. Unfortunately we are unable to utilise its potential. With proper conservation efforts and genetic improvement programs, India could reclaim the lost glory of its indigenous cattle breeds,” said Manne Anjaneyulu, a cattle breeder from Kankipadu.
