The world’s most expensive cow was sold for GHC56.5m – Here’s why
A record-breaking $4.3 million (roughly GHC56.5m) was paid for a Brazilian Nelore cow.
They are believed to be the future of Brazil’s beef industry for a few key reasons:
- Good genes for breeding: Their desirable traits make them ideal for breeding future generations of cattle.
- Environmentally friendly: Nelore cattle might have a lower environmental impact compared to other breeds due to their unique characteristics.
- Heat tolerance: Their slow metabolism makes them resistant to the hot climate.
- Low-quality pastures: They can efficiently digest even low-quality forage.
- Pest resistance: Their tough skin helps them ward off parasites and insects.
Brazil’s dominance in the beef market, with its massive herd of 225 million cattle (including Nelore), is likely to continue. This is partly due to the Nelore breed’s exceptional ability to thrive in Brazil’s challenging environment and China’s battle with African swine fever, which killed and reduced their pig population and created a massive demand for Brazilian beef.
The record-breaking prices paid for Nelore cattle reflect their outstanding genetic makeup due to their awesome metabolisms and strong adaptations to the Brazilian landscape. No doubt, they will be a valuable asset for the future of the country’s beef industry.