A breed found in Brazil but has an Indian connection!
The Nelore cow breed, with origins in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, is known scientifically as Bos indicus and has a deep connection to the Indian subcontinent
A Nelore cow named Viatina-19 FIV Mara Imoveis set a world record by selling for approximately Rs 40 crore ($4.8 million) in Brazil, making it the most expensive cow ever auctioned
The Nelore breed's history dates back over 2000 years, originally brought to India by the Aryan people and known as Ongole cattle
Nelores are characterized by their slow metabolism, which not only reduces their heat production but also decreases their feeding frequency, enhancing their resistance to conditions like bloating
This breed was introduced to Brazil in 1868, and its name was adapted to Nelore, which is now used synonymously with Ongole cattle in Brazil
The Nelore breed has successfully adapted to various challenging climates, from the harsh lands of Baluchistan to the alluvial lands of the Ganga and the torrid lands by the Bengal Sea
Brazil's significant importation of Ongoles in the 1960s, including a notable batch of 84 in 1962, played a crucial role in the development of the Nelore breed in the country
Over the last 30 years, the Brazilian Nelore herd has grown from 56 million in 1965 to 160 million in 1995, with Nelores constituting about 100 million of this number
Nelore cattle are distinctive for their white coat, black skin, muzzle, and tail, alongside their long legs which aid in walking in water while grazing
They have sweat glands that are twice as large and 30% more numerous than those of European breeds, contributing to their adaptation to warmer climates