Cattle are revered for their importance in agriculture, dairy production and transportation. India being the world’s largest milk producer has been associated with cattle since ancient times. India is home to over 30 breeds of cattle. Each breed boasts its unique characteristics, advantages and uses. There are several indigenous breeds, crossbred breeds, dual-purpose breeds and certain other breeds in the country. However, Indian farmers import exotic cattle breeds from other countries for various purposes. But, do you know that the world’s most expensive cow is of Indian origin and has been recently sold at a whopping amount of Rs 40 crore?
World’s Most Expensive Cow: Viatina-19
According to media reports, a Nelore breed cow, known for its high milk production and resistance to diseases, broke the Guinness World Record, after it was sold at Rs 40 crore at an auction recently.
Well, the cow named Viatina-19 was purchased under the hammer at an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Reportedly, the cow weighed 1101 Kg, which is twice the average weight of any cow of the same breed. Viatina-19 is a purebred Nelore cow and her distinctive physical attributes include white fur, loose skin and a noticeable hump on its shoulder. All these characteristics have contributed to her capacity to adapt to hot temperatures, apart from making her look aesthetically beautiful.
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Viatina-19 is the most expensive cow ever sold at an auction. The cow has also won several awards including ‘Miss South America’ at the Fort Worth, ‘Champion of the World’ at a Texas-based competition, and a bovine version of ‘Miss Universe’ at an event where cows and bulls from different countries participate.
The whopping price of the Nalore cow is due to the rapidness in putting on vast amounts of muscles, fertility and how often it has passed those traits to offspring.
According to a veterinarian, Viatina-19 is the closest to perfection that has been attained so far and it is a complete cow having all the characteristics that proprietors look for.
Nelore Breed From India
80 per cent of cows in Brazil are Zebus, a subspecies that originated in India. These subspecies get distinguished by its hump and dewlap, or folds of draping neck skin.
Meanwhile, Viatina-19 is of the Nelore breed, having its origin in Andhra Pradesh. They are named after the Nellore district of AP. Also referred to as Ongole cow, the Nelore breed was introduced to Brazil in the 1800s. Now, Nelore cattle are a mainstay of the livestock sector.
