This Indian-origin breed cow is most expensive in the world

A Nellore breed cow was recently sold for a whopping $4.8 million (around Rs 40 crore) in an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil, setting a world record in cattle breeding

Hyderabad: A Nellore breed cow was recently sold for a whopping $4.8 million (around Rs 40 crore) in an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil, setting a world record in cattle breeding, according to reports.

Named Viatina-19, it is now the most expensive cow in the world earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The cow weighs around 1,101 kg, which is twice the average of any other cow of the same breed.

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The 19-year-old female cow has also won the title of ‘Miss South America’ at the Champions of the World for its rare genetic lineage, extraordinary muscle structure and heat tolerance.

In Brazil, this cow breed is identified by its hump and dewlap, and accounts for around 80 per cent of the cattle population in the country.

A cotton-like white skin makes Viatina-19 aesthetically eye-pleasing. The unique qualities of the cow have made it highly sought-after. Viatina’s embryos are in high demand for global breeding programmes.

The Nellore breed originally belongs to Andhra Pradesh’s Ongole region and is known for its resilience and heat tolerance (loose skin maintains heat dissipation and huge hump stores fat).

Besides, their disease-resistance quality, quick adaptability, strong genes and immunity make them stand out among other cattle breeds.

It is said that the breed was first brought to Brazil in the early 1800s. Today Brazil has around 230 million Nellore breed cows, according to the US Department of Agriculture.