The Ongole cattle breed in India has declined sharply, with only 634,000 remaining in 2019, compared to 1.5 million in 1944. In Brazil, however, Ongoles dominate beef production, exemplified by Viatina-19, sold for $4.38 million. Factors contributing to India’s decline include a preference for crossbred cattle and mechanization, despite conservation efforts. Advanced breeding techniques are being employed, yet challenges remain regarding demand and export restrictions.
The indigenous Ongole cattle breed in India is experiencing a significant decline, despite its success in Brazil where it is now among the most prized cattle breeds. According to a report by The Indian Express, Brazil boasts that 80% of its 226 million cattle are Ongoles, primarily bred for beef. The breed’s prominence was underscored in February 2025, during a record sale in Minas Gerais, where the Ongole purebred cow Viatina-19 was sold for an astonishing $4.38 million (Rs 40 crore), reflecting its global market value.
In stark contrast, the population of Ongole cattle in India has dramatically decreased to merely 634,000 in 2019, down from 1.5 million in 1944, despite governmental efforts to promote conservation. During the years 2007 to 2012, the overall indigenous cattle population declined by 9% and by an additional 6% from 2012 to 2019, while exotic and crossbred cattle populations grew by nearly 30%.
Indian farmers increasingly favor crossbred cows for their superior milk production, despite initiatives such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission aimed at encouraging indigenous breeds. Price comparisons reveal a disparity: an Ongole cow in India costs approximately Rs 1 lakh, while a prized bull is priced between Rs 10-15 lakh, significantly lower than the valuations seen in Brazil.
Ongole cattle, also known as Ongolu Gitta, originate from the Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh, India. Known for their heat tolerance and disease resistance, the breed has deep cultural significance and is well-adapted to local conditions. Historically, as Brazilian native breeds were smaller, Ongole bulls were exported from India starting in 1885, with around 7,000 cattle sent to South America, helping to catalyze Brazil’s agricultural transformation.
The decline of Ongole cattle in India can be attributed to the increasing preference for crossbred cattle that offer higher milk yields as well as reduced demand for draught animals owing to mechanization. Moreover, selective breeding has traditionally focused on strength rather than milk production, diminishing the Ongole’s agricultural relevance as mechanization replaces their historical contributions.
Experts at Guntur’s LAM Farm, a dedicated Ongole conservation center, are deploying advanced breeding techniques, including IVF-embryo transfer, to help preserve the breed. However, challenges remain due to the decreasing demand for Ongole cattle. In addition, India has enforced cattle export restrictions since the 1960s; the idea of lifting this ban was raised in 2023 but quickly faced opposition. Conversely, Brazil’s meticulous tracking of cattle lineage contributes to the enhancement and sustainability of Ongole cattle, a process that Indian farms could benefit from emulating.
The Ongole cattle breed faces a pressing decline in India, attributed to shifting farmer preferences towards crossbred cattle that yield higher milk and the impact of mechanization. Despite this, the breed flourishes in Brazil, where it commands high prices and substantial market interest. Conservation efforts are underway, though challenges persist with limited demand and existing export policies. Learning from Brazil’s successful practices may offer avenues for reviving this valuable indigenous breed in India.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
