With a distinctive hump and flowing “dewlap” skin, the Nelore cow, set a global record for the most expensive cow ever sold at auction, fetching an astounding Ksh628.8 million ($4.8 M) in Brazil.
The cow, called Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imoveis, is characterized by its bright white fur and distinctive bulbous hump above the shoulders.
Their hump, composed of fat and muscle tissue, helps store energy reserves during periods of scarcity.
Nelore breed originated in India but has become one of the most prominent breeds in Brazil, where it thrived and flourished.
The cattle derived their named after the Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh in India and are scientifically classified as Bos indicus, descending from the robust and adaptable Ongole cattle of India.
Consequently, the first pair of Ongole cattle arrived in Brazil by ship in 1868, landing in Salvador, Bahia. This initial introduction was followed by further importations, including two more animals from Hamburg Zoo in 1878.
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Origin of Nelore Cattle Breeds
However, most of the Nelore cows in Brazil today trace their lineage back to the one hundred animals brought to the country from India in the 1960s.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, the preferred zebu breed in Brazil was the Indubrasil or Indo-Brazilian. But, starting from the 1960s, Nelore emerged as the predominant breed of cattle in the country.
This shift was driven by its resilience, ability to withstand heat, capacity to thrive on low-quality forage, and ease of breeding, with minimal human intervention needed for calf survival.
Presently, over 80% of Brazil’s beef cattle, totaling approximately 167 million animals, are either purebred or hybrid Nelore, establishing them as the dominant breed.
Additionally, bulls of this breed have been exported to various countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States and Venezuela, in recent decades.
Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imoveis breed is resilient to hot temperatures, and resistance to parasitic infections, qualities that make it highly desirable for cattle ranchers.
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Distinct Characteristics of Viatina- 19 Breed
Viatina is one of the most genetically superior specimens in the Nelore breed as her genetic material, in the form of embryos and semen, holds the promise of producing offsprings with enhanced traits.
The exceptional traits of Nelore cattle lie in their adaptability to diverse climates.
Nelore can thrive in various environmental conditions, barring extreme cold, and exhibit exceptional resistance to high temperatures.
Additionally, they boast natural immunity to numerous parasites and diseases.
In Brazil, the main use of Nelore cattle is for meat production and breeding. Their meat is held in high regard for its flavor, leanness, and low calories.
The cattle are also fairly easy to manage on a day-to-day basis, and they have just enough fat to keep their meat tender without it becoming tough or stringy.
