Jamke NEWS

In the world of livestock auctions, a new record has been set that has captured the attention of both cattle enthusiasts and the general public alike. A Nelore cow, known by the name of Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imóveis, has become the most expensive cow ever sold, fetching an astonishing 4.8 million USD which is equivalent to 40 crores in Indian rupees at an auction in Brazil.This sale not only marks a milestone in the history of cattle auctions but also highlights the value placed on superior genetic qualities in the livestock industry.
The Nelore breed, characterized by its bright white fur and distinctive bulbous hump above the shoulders, is native to India but has become one of the most important breeds in Brazil. These cattle are named after the district of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting their country of origin. The breed, known scientifically as Bos indicus, is descended from the Ongole cattle of India, which were renowned for their robustness and adaptability. 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. The most significant influx occurred in the 1960s when a hundred animals were brought over, laying the foundation for the breed’s proliferation in Brazil. The breed’s resilience to hot temperatures, efficient metabolism, and resistance to parasitic infections make it highly desirable for cattle ranchers. Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imóveis, in particular, represents the pinnacle of these traits, having been selectively bred to amplify her genetic advantages.

The sale of Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imóveis is not just about the cow herself but also about the potential she carries. Her genetic material, in the form of embryos and semen, is expected to produce offspring that will carry on her superior traits, thus contributing to the improvement of the Nelore breed as a whole. This expectation is reflected in the price she commanded at the auction.
The auction took place in Arandú, São Paulo, Brazil, where one-third of the ownership of the 4-and-a-half-year-old cow was sold for 6.99 million reals, the equivalent of 1.44 million USD. This sale placed her total value at a staggering 4.3 million USD, breaking her own previous record when half of her ownership had been sold for around 800,000 USD the year before.
The high price of Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imóveis also has implications for the international cattle market. It emphasizes the breed’s value and strengthens its reputation worldwide. Nelore cows are already a dominant presence in Brazil, comprising 80 percent of the country’s total number of cows. The breed’s ability to thrive on poor-quality forage and its easy breeding characteristics make it a practical choice for ranchers in Brazil’s diverse climates.
The record-breaking sale of Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imóveis is proof of the importance of genetics in livestock breeding. It demonstrates how much value is placed on animals that can contribute to the advancement of a breed. Now it is owned by breeders Casa Branca Agropastoril, Agropecuária Napemo and Nelore HRO. The cow’s new owners, Nelore HRO, have expressed their excitement and commitment to sharing Viatina-19’s genetics, indicating the potential for further advancements in the breed’s quality.