Ongole Cattle: A Decline in India Amidst Thriving Success in Brazil

The Ongole cattle breed in India is facing a significant decline, dropping from 1.5 million in 1944 to 634,000 in 2019, while thriving in Brazil, where it has become extremely valuable, exemplified by the $4.38 million sale of Viatina-19. The preference for crossbred cattle and mechanisation in India contributes to this decline, despite conservation efforts. Brazilian techniques for cattle lineage tracking offer a model for potential revival of the breed in India.

India’s indigenous Ongole cattle breed is experiencing a significant decline domestically, even as it flourishes in Brazil, where it has gained recognition as one of the most expensive cattle breeds. Presently, Ongoles account for 80 percent of Brazil’s 226 million cattle, primarily bred for beef production. The recent sale of a purebred Ongole cow, Viatina-19, for $4.38 million in Brazil’s Minas Gerais highlights the breed’s increasing value on the global market.

In stark contrast to Brazil’s booming Ongole population, the number of these cattle in India has decreased dramatically from 1.5 million in 1944 to just 634,000 in 2019, despite conservation efforts by the government. A significant decline in the overall indigenous cattle population has also been noted: by 9 percent from 2007 to 2012 and by another 6 percent from 2012 to 2019, while exotic and crossbred cattle populations grew by nearly 30 percent during the same period.

In India, farmers predominantly prefer crossbred cows due to their superior milk yields, despite nationwide initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission promoting indigenous breeds. Price differences are considerable; an Ongole cow in India is valued at around Rs 1 lakh, while a prized Ongole bull can sell for Rs 10-15 lakh, significantly lower than the multi-crore valuations in Brazil.

Ongole cattle, also known as Ongolu Gitta, are native to Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh. They possess historical and cultural significance in India and are known for their heat tolerance, disease resistance, and ability to thrive on limited fodder, making them well-suited for Indian conditions. Historically, Ongole bulls were exported to Latin America starting in 1885, significantly influencing Brazil’s agricultural landscape.

The decline of Ongole cattle in India can be attributed to several factors, including the preference for crossbred animals that yield more milk and the reduced utilization of draught animals due to mechanisation. Additionally, the focus on strength over milk production in selective breeding practices has contributed to the reduction of the breed’s population, as traditional draught power has diminished in farming.

There are efforts underway to revive the Ongole population, led by veterinary experts at Guntur’s LAM Farm, which is one of India’s few dedicated Ongole conservation centres. By employing advanced breeding techniques such as IVF-embryo transfer, they aim to preserve the breed’s purity, though they face challenges in light of the declining demand. Additionally, strict cattle export restrictions in India since the 1960s have further complicated the situation. Although lifting this ban was considered in 2023, it received significant opposition, unlike Brazil, which has implemented a rigorous cattle lineage tracking system to maintain and enhance the breed’s quality, a method that Indian farms could potentially adopt.

In conclusion, while the Ongole breed has found success and high valuation in Brazil, its numbers in India are severely dwindling due to shifts in farming practices and consumer preferences. Efforts to conserve the breed continue, yet face challenges from market demand and governmental regulations. Emulating Brazil’s successful cattle management strategies could be essential for the revival of the Ongole breed in India.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com

About Liam Nguyen

Liam Nguyen is an insightful tech journalist with over ten years of experience exploring the intersection of technology and society. A graduate of MIT, Liam's articles offer critical perspectives on innovation and its implications for everyday life. He has contributed to leading tech magazines and online platforms, making him a respected name in the industry.

View all posts by Liam Nguyen →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *