In the field of livestock auctions, a new record has been set that has attracted the attention of livestock lovers and the general public alike. A Nellore cow, known as Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imoveis, is the most expensive cow ever sold. She achieved the incredible price of $4.8 million (Rs 40 crore) at an auction in Brazil. This sale not only marks a milestone in the history of livestock auctions but also explains the value placed on superior genetic qualities in the livestock industry. The Nellore breed, characterised by its bright white fur and the characteristic bulbous hump over the shoulders, is originally from India but has become one of the most important breeds in Brazil. The auction took place in Arandu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The breed, scientifically known as Bos indicus, is descended from the Indian Ongole cattle, known for its robustness and adaptability. The first pair of Ongole cattle came to Brazil by ship in 1868 and landed in Salvador, Bahia. This first introduction was followed by further imports, including two other animals from the Hamburg Zoo in 1878. The largest influx took place in the 1960s when a hundred animals were brought here, which laid the foundation for the spread of the breed in Brazil.