At a buzzing auction in Arandu, Sao Paulo, Brazil, a Nellore cow named Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imoveis shattered records by selling for a staggering $4.8 million (₹40 crore), setting a new benchmark as the world’s most expensive cow.

This remarkable sale not only turned heads among livestock enthusiasts but also underscored the immense value of superior genetic traits in the livestock industry. Originating from India, the Nellore breed has made a significant mark in Brazil, known for its distinctive bright white fur and prominent hump.

What to know: Tracing back to 1868, the journey of the Nellore breed in Brazil began with the arrival of the first Ongole cattle from India. Over the years, especially after a significant import in the 1960s, the breed has flourished across Brazil, valued for its resilience to heat, efficient metabolism, and resistance to diseases.

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Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imoveis stands out as a prime example of the breed’s exceptional genetic qualities, selectively bred to enhance its traits and, by extension, the breed’s overall quality.

The sale of Viatina-19 is not just about the cow itself but heralds the potential for breeding offspring that inherit her superior characteristics, elevating the Nellore breed further.

This historic auction has not only underscored the breed’s value on a global scale but also reinforced the Nellore’s dominant presence in Brazil, where they comprise 80% of the cow population. Their adaptability to various climates and low-maintenance breeding needs make them a favoured choice among Brazilian farmers, solidifying the Nellore’s status as a cornerstone of Brazil’s livestock industry.

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