An Indian-origin cow, Viatina-19, has set a Guinness World Record for being the most expensive cattle, sold for ₹40 crore ($4.8 million) at an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The 53-month-old Nelore breed cow, originally from India’s Ongole region, won the “Miss South America” title at the Champion of the World competition in Texas, USA, due to her exceptional muscle structure and rare genetics.
Viatina-19, a 53-month-old Nelore breed cow of Indian origin, has set a Guinness World Record after being sold for ₹40 crore ($4.8 million) at an auction in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The cow, known for its muscular build, rare genetics, and adaptability to tropical climates, has gained global attention in the livestock industry.
A Record-Breaking Auction
Weighing 1,101 kg—twice the average weight of other Nelore cattle—Viatina-19 attracted bidders from around the world due to her superior physical traits and breeding potential. The Nelore breed, originally from India’s Ongole region in Andhra Pradesh, was introduced to Brazil in the 1800s and now dominates the country’s cattle industry.
According to Lorrany Martins, a veterinarian specializing in cattle genetics, Viatina-19 is considered “the closest to perfection” within the breed.
She embodies all the characteristics that livestock proprietors seek, making her embryos highly valuable for breeding programs worldwide.
Lorrany Martins
Crowned ‘Miss South America’ in Global Cattle Contest
Beyond setting a record at the auction, Viatina-19 also gained international fame after winning the “Miss South America” title at the Champion of the World competition in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. This prestigious event, often compared to a “Miss Universe” for cattle, pits top bulls and cows from various countries against one another.
Her victory was attributed to her exceptional muscle tone, well-balanced structure, and rare genetic lineage, making her a benchmark for breeding standards.
Nelore: Brazil’s Dominant Cattle Breed
Brazil is now the world’s largest breeder of Nelore cattle, with over 230 million cows, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At least 80% of Brazil’s cattle population consists of Zebu breeds, which are known for their distinctive humps and adaptability to tropical conditions.
Nelore cattle, primarily raised for meat production, have been exported to multiple countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico, and the United States. The breed’s resistance to diseases and harsh climates makes it one of the most sought-after livestock globally.
Preserving India’s Cattle Heritage
While Viatina-19 has broken records in Brazil, her lineage traces back to Andhra Pradesh, India, where the Ongole breed has been revered for centuries. The sale highlights the global impact of Indian-origin cattle, reinforcing their value in modern livestock breeding.
As the demand for elite genetics continues to rise, Viatina-19’s record-breaking auction marks a milestone in the livestock industry, setting new standards for cattle breeding worldwide.
