Brazil’s $4M cow Viatina-19 tops world record prices and sizes

In the hectic world of agriculture and livestock auctions, jaw-dropping moments grab attention every now and then, attracting farmers, investors and curious onlookers alike.

Enter the Brazilian cow Vyatina-19 FIV Mara Moos, who shattered auction records and became the most expensive cow ever sold. Guinness World Records.

The young cow fetched an astonishing $4.38 million at auction at Arando in São Paulo, Brazil.

Only one-third of Viatina-19’s ownership was sold for $1.44 million, for a total value of $4.38 million. He co-owns Casa Branca Agropastor, Agrobecuaria Nabemo and Nellore HRO.

Now, $4.38 million can buy more than 1,400 commercial cows, new farm equipment or even that beach house you might need to walk away from, so why should this particular cow cost so much in a country with 235 million cows?

Born 53 months ago in Nova Iguazu de Goias, Brazil, Viatina-19 is already grazing in the history books as one of the best Nellore cows. This massive cow tips the scales at more than 2,400 pounds, Vietana-19 veterinarian Clayton Borges tells The Associated Press, „a single animal of beauty, reproductive potential, modern pedigree.”

Needless to say, the world-famous cow is monitored day and night with cameras and armed guards, and the owners have even purchased billboards advertising what they call „Superco.” He also has his own social media accounts.

Viatina-19 is currently being bred herself, but her embryos alone fetch $250,000, and 10 surrogate mothers are currently being bred with clones of Vietana-19.

Hailing from India and named after the Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, the Nellore has become a Brazilian sensation thanks to their efficient metabolism, thriving even on poor-quality forage. Mature Nellore bulls can tip the scales at 800 to 1,100 kg (1,764 to 2,425 lb), while cows typically weigh 450 to 550 kg (992 to 1,213 lb).

Despite the hype that Viatina-19’s owners are hoping to raise large, beef cattle in Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, commercial producers are mostly looking for moderate-sized cattle in the United States.

„High-maintenance cows like Vatina-19 are not profitable on a large, commercial scale because they cannot meet their energy needs from grass alone,” said PJ Budler, TransOva Genetics International Business Manager. told reporters.