More Than Just Milk: The Ongole Cow’s Declining Presence in India
Cows are not just milk producers; they are deeply embedded in our culture, history, and way of life. However, a once-prized breed that graced Indian farms and barns is now being sold abroad for crores while slowly vanishing from its homeland. This is the unfortunate reality of the Ongole cow.
A Crore-Worth Calf Born in Guntur’s Gaushala
In a small shed in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, a significant event took place—one that sparked joy among cattle breeders. A purebred Ongole calf was born, but what makes this birth extraordinary is that it was achieved through IVF technology.
According to an Indian Express report, Dr. M. Mutha, the in-charge of LAM Farms, stated, “We have been preserving this breed for eight generations over the last 30 years.” The irony, however, is that while India is striving to protect this breed, Brazil has transformed it into the ‘world’s most expensive cow.’
In February, an Ongole cow named Viatina-19 was sold for a staggering $4.38 million (Rs 40 crore) in Brazil. Weighing 1100 kg, this cow is now being developed as a ‘super cow.’ The breed has gained such prominence in Brazil that nearly 80% of its cattle population consists of Ongole cows. Meanwhile, in India, where their numbers stood at 15 lakh in 1944, the population has dwindled to just 6.34 lakh in 2019. The very nation that gave birth to this remarkable breed is now struggling to preserve it.
Why the Ongole Breed is Losing Popularity in India
Indian farmers are increasingly opting for foreign cattle breeds that produce more milk, as the Ongole cow is not known for high milk yields. While its price in India remains around Rs 1 lakh, in Brazil, it is worth crores.
However, this breed is exceptionally well-suited to the Indian climate. It thrives on minimal fodder, possesses strong disease resistance, and withstands extreme heat. The high-humped Nandi bulls seen in Shiva temples are also a legacy of the Ongole breed.
The Journey of the Ongole Cow from India to Brazil
During the 19th century, the British recognized the remarkable qualities of the Ongole breed and transported them to South America. In 1885, the first Ongole cows and bulls arrived in Brazil. Over time, nearly 7000 Ongole cows were exported, eventually becoming the backbone of Brazil’s cattle industry. Today, this breed is prominently featured on road signboards across Brazil under the name ‘Nellore.’
Conservation Efforts in India
LAM Farm in Guntur currently houses 294 Ongole cows, which are being preserved using advanced scientific methods. Dr. Damodar Naidu explains, “We train Ongole bulls to maintain their strength, ensuring the production of a high-quality breed.”
However, conserving the breed is not easy. Government initiatives such as the National Gokul Mission aim to safeguard indigenous cattle breeds, but the success of these programs depends on farmer participation. Without dedicated efforts, India risks losing a significant part of its agricultural and cultural heritage.
