Ongole Cattle: A Tale of Decline in India Amidst Success in Brazil

The Ongole cattle breed from India is declining domestically while thriving in Brazil, where it has gained substantial value, symbolized by record sales. In India, numbers have plummeted despite conservation efforts, with farmers favoring crossbred cattle instead. The breed’s historical significance is contrasted by modern agricultural shifts, leading to concerns about its future viability in India.

The indigenous Ongole cattle breed from India is witnessing a significant decline domestically, even as it flourishes in Brazil, now recognized as one of the most valued cattle breeds globally. A report by The Indian Express highlights that in Brazil, Ongole cattle constitute 80 percent of the 226 million cattle population and are primarily raised for beef purposes. The record-breaking sale of the purebred Ongole cow, Viatina-19, for $4.38 million in February 2025 in Minas Gerais, demonstrates the breed’s substantial market value.

In stark contrast, the number of Ongole cattle in India has fallen drastically from 1.5 million in 1944 to just 634,000 in 2019, despite government efforts aimed at conservation. Additionally, the indigenous cattle population has declined by 9 percent (from 2007 to 2012), followed by another 6 percent (from 2012 to 2019). Meanwhile, the population of exotic and crossbred cattle has increased by nearly 30 percent, as Indian farmers tend to prioritize higher-yield crossbred cows. The price of an Ongole cow in India averages around Rs 1 lakh, and prized bulls fetch between Rs 10-15 lakh, significantly lower than their counterparts in Brazil.

Ongole cattle, also known as Ongolu Gitta, hail from Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh and hold historical and cultural significance in India. Adapted to Indian climatic conditions, they exhibit heat tolerance and disease resistance, making them highly suitable for local farming practices. The export of Ongole bulls to Latin America began as early as 1885, contributing to Brazil’s agricultural transformation.

The decline of the Ongole breed in India can be attributed to the growing preference for crossbred cattle that provide greater milk yields, coupled with diminishing demand for draught animals due to mechanization in agriculture. Experts indicate that selective breeding has focused more on strength rather than milk production, further contributing to the breed’s waning relevance as agricultural practices evolve.

Efforts to revive the Ongole population are underway at Guntur’s LAM Farm, one of the limited centers dedicated to Ongole conservation. Utilizing advanced breeding techniques such as IVF-embryo transfer, veterinary specialists strive to uphold the breed’s purity. Nonetheless, challenges persist due to the declining demand for Ongole cattle. Additionally, India’s longstanding export restrictions on cattle have prevented broader market access, despite a brief consideration to lift the ban in 2023 amidst public opposition. Brazil’s systematic cattle lineage tracking could serve as a valuable model for India to enhance its cattle management and conservation efforts.

In summary, the Ongole cattle breed faces a critical decline in India due to changing agricultural preferences and reduced demand. While Brazil showcases the breed’s potential through successful breeding practices and high market value, India must address its internal challenges to preserve and revitalize this culturally significant breed. Sustainable practices and possibly adopting international models could facilitate the reinvigoration of the Ongole population.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com