13 February 2025, New Delhi: An Indian-origin cow has shattered records by fetching a staggering ₹40 crore at an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Named Viatina-19, the prized bovine has now entered the Guinness World Records as the most expensive cattle ever sold. Weighing approximately 1,101 kg—nearly double the average weight of her breed—the 53-month-old Nelore cow stands out for her striking white coat, loose skin, and a distinctive hump.
Beyond her hefty price tag, Viatina-19 has also claimed a prestigious title at the “Champion of the World” cattle competition in Fort Worth, Texas, where she was crowned Miss South America. This global contest, often compared to a Miss Universe-style pageant for cattle, evaluates bulls and cows from different nations based on their genetic excellence and physical attributes. Her superior muscle structure and rare lineage played a key role in securing her victory.
The Nelore breed, known for its adaptability to tropical climates and strong disease resistance, is widely favored in cattle breeding programs worldwide. Experts believe these traits make Viatina-19’s embryos highly sought after for improving cattle genetics across various countries.
Veterinarian Lorrany Martins described Viatina-19 as the closest example of perfection seen so far. “She embodies all the traits that breeders desire,” Martins stated.
According to data from Oklahoma State University, Brazil is now the leading breeder of Nelore cattle, with the breed being exported to countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, and several Central American nations.
Interestingly, nearly 80% of Brazil’s cattle population consists of Zebu cattle, a subspecies originating from India, distinguished by their characteristic hump and dewlap. The Nelore breed, also referred to as the Ongole breed, was introduced to Brazil in the 1800s and traces its roots to the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Historical records suggest that this robust breed was first brought to the region by Aryans around 2,000 years ago.
As one of the most dominant cattle breeds in Brazil, Nelore cattle are primarily raised for beef production. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Brazil has an estimated 230 million cows, solidifying its position as one of the world’s top cattle-producing nations.
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