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Context:

The Ongole cattle breed originated in Andhra Pradesh (India) has become the most expensive cattle in the world in Brazil.

About ONGOLE Cattle

ONGOLE cattle, also called Ongolu Gitta, have a history dating back to the mid-19th century, with British researchers recording their distinct characteristics, such as a large hump and heat tolerance.

Exported to Brazil as early as 1868, they contributed to Brazil's agricultural revolution. In Brazil, they are now called Nelore, named after the Nellore district, and have become integral to the culture.

In Brazil

Brazil is the world's top beef exporter, utilizing ONGOLE cattle for their meat production. They constitute approximately 80% of Brazil's 225 million cattle, totaling around 180 million Nelore.

ONGOLE cattle success is due to:

Adaptability: Heat tolerance and disease resistance suit Brazil's tropical climate.
Breeding Practices: Advanced techniques like embryo transfer produce high-value animals, such as Viatina-19, sold for 4.38 million USD in February 2023 at an auction in Minas Gerais, bought by breeders for genetic enhancement.
Economic Importance: The beef industry benefits from their large size and meat yield, with Viatina-19 weighing 1,100 kg. Recently Viatina-19 breed cattle sold for 4.38 million USD (or Rs 40 crore).

In India

The ONGOLE population has declined, from 1.5 million in 1944 to 634,000 in the 2019 Livestock Census. This decline reflects broader trends:

Population Drop: Indigenous cattle numbers fell by 9% between 2007-2012 and 6% between 2012-2019, while exotic and crossbred cattle increased by 29.5%, from 39.73 million to 51.47 million.
Economic Factors: Farmers prefer crossbred cattle for higher milk yields, with ONGOLE cows yielding less (historically 17 liters/day in 1885, now around 4.76 liters/day). Bulls, once prized for drought, are less needed due to mechanization.
Cultural and Legal Constraints: Slaughter bans in most states and low market prices (Rs 1 lakh for a cow, Rs 10-15 lakh for a prized bull) limit economic viability compared to Brazil's multi-crore valuations.

ONGOLE cattle linked to Nandi bulls in Shiva temples. Genetically, they offer heat tolerance, disease resistance, and A2 milk potential, which make them valuable for sustainable farming.

Reasons for Divergence

Brazil's Focus on Meat: Brazil's beef export market values ONGOLE for meat, using advanced breeding to enhance traits, while India's focus is on milk, where crossbreds outperform.
Climate Suitability: Both countries have tropical climates, but Brazil's large-scale farming and investment in genetics amplify ONGOLE's potential, while India's smallholder farming favors higher-yield breeds.

Challenges and Recent Developments

Economic pressures lead farmers to choose crossbreds.
Conservation is largely government-led, with only six major farms in Andhra Pradesh, and farmer adoption remains low.
In 2023, a proposal to amend the Livestock Importation Act, 1898, for live bovine exports was withdrawn due to protest.

Way Forward

Subsidies for rearing ONGOLE cattle, especially for A2 milk production, which get premiums price over Rs 150/liter.

Involve farmers through cooperatives and awareness campaigns, highlighting cultural and economic benefits.

Expand Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to focus on ONGOLE, with more Gokul Grams in breeding tracts like Prakasam.

Adopt Brazil's breeding and marketing strategies, potentially exploring export markets for germplasm, subject to policy changes.

Must Read Articles:

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Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the ONGOLE cattle:

1. ONGOLE cattle are the indigenous breed from Brazil.

2. They constitute approximately 80% of Brazil's cattle.

3. ONGOLE cattle linked to Nandi bulls in Shiva temples.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) Only one

B) Only two

C) All three

D) None

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

ONGOLE cattle, an indigenous breed from India, particularly the Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh, have seen divergent fortunes in Brazil and India. In Brazil, known as Nelore, they dominate the cattle industry, while in India, they face a decline, prompting conservation efforts.

Statement 2 is correct:

ONGOLE cattle, also called Ongolu Gitta, have a history dating back to the mid-19th century, with British researchers noting their distinct traits, such as a large hump and heat tolerance. Exported to Brazil as early as 1868, about 7,000 were sent, contributing to Brazil's agricultural revolution. Currently, ONGOLE cattle constitute approximately 80% of Brazil's 225 million cattle, totaling around 180 million Nelore.

Statement 3 is correct:

ONGOLE cattle hold cultural importance in India, linked to Nandi bulls in Shiva temples, with their hump a distinctive feature. Their global spread, including to the Americas and Africa, highlights their adaptability, yet in India, this potential remains underutilized.

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