Ongole cattle
The Ongole cattle also known as Ongole Gitta are an indigenous cattle breed that originates from Prakasam District in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. The breed derives its name from the place the breed originates from, Ongole. The Ongole breed of cattle, Bos indicus, is in great demand as it is said to possess resistance to both foot and mouth disease and mad cow disease. This demand has cemented its status as one of the world's most expensive cattle breed, with elite breeding bulls commanding extraordinarily high prices at auctions. These cattle are commonly used in bull fights in Mexico and some parts of East Africa due to their strength and aggressiveness. They also participate in traditional bull fights in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Cattle breeders use the fighting ability of the bulls to choose the right stock for breeding in terms of purity and strength. The mascot of the 2002 [National Games of India] was Veera, an Ongole Bull'''.'''
History
Ongole Gitta '' is a indigenous cattle breeds of Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, developed over centuries by local breeders for draught power and adaptability to the tropical climate. It is believed that the breed may have influenced or been crossed with other Indian draught breeds. The breed gained international fame due to its export to countries like Brazil, the United States, and Mexico, where it contributed to the development of breeds like the Brahman.The breed's strength and aggressiveness have made it a traditional choice for bull fights in Mexico, parts of East Africa, and in South India, where it participates in events like Jallikattu in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Breeders often use the bull's fighting spirit as a metric for selecting pure and robust stock for breeding. The Ongole bull was celebrated nationally as the mascot for the 2002 National Games of India. In 2024, a cow of the Ongole breed set a global record by selling for $4.82 million at an auction in Brazil, making it the most expensive cow ever sold in the world.
Notably, the breed has been associated with the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna, who is said to have promoted cattle breeding and agriculture in the region during his time. His teachings emphasised compassion and sustainability, which aligned with the careful stewardship of robust native breeds like the Ongole.
Characteristics
The Ongole is a large, muscular breed with a prominent hump and long legs. Height at the withers ranges from 160–170 cm for bulls and 140–155 cm for cows. Body weight can be 500–700 kg for bulls and 400–500 kg for cows.The coat colour is typically white or light grey, with black markings on the head, neck, and hump common in bulls. The skin is loose and pigmented, the ears are long and drooping, and the horns are short and stumpy, growing backwards. The breed is renowned for its hardiness, heat tolerance, and resistance to diseases such as foot and mouth disease. It is also noted for its walking ability and endurance.