Ongole Cattle: The Breed Flourishing in Brazil but Declining in India

Ongole cattle, a hardy and disease-resistant breed from India, are known for their strength, high milk yield, and adaptability to diverse climates, making them valuable in farming.

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Context: Recently, a purebred Ongole calf was born at the Livestock Research Station (LAM Farm) in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, through IVF-embryo transfer technology.

About Ongole Cattle

Ongole cattle are native to the coastal plains of Andhra Pradesh, specifically the districts of Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore.
They are known for their large size, muscular build and a prominent hump, Heat tolerance, Disease resistance, Strength & endurance & Survival on low fodder
Historically, they were used as draught animals for ploughing and transportation.

Why Did Ongole Cattle Decline in India?

Shift in Dairy Preferences

Milk yield comparison:

Exotic breeds (Jersey, Holstein-Friesian) yield 25-30 liters/day.
Ongole cows yield 4-6 liters/day.
Farmers preferred crossbreeds & exotic cattle for higher milk production.
This led to reduced breeding of Ongole cattle for dairy purposes.

Mechanization of Agriculture

With the advent of Tractors & mechanized ploughing & Transport vehicles replacing bullock carts, the Demand for draught cattle declined, reducing their role in Indian agriculture.

Government Policies & Export Ban

Until the 1960s, Ongole cattle were exported to Latin America, but India banned cattle exports due to concerns over the meat trade.
Brazil continued to breed & improve Ongole cattle, while India restricted further global demand.

Reduction in Pure Breeding Programs

In India, Ongole cattle were selectively bred for strength (draught power), not milk productivity.
Over time, genetic purity declined due to crossbreeding with other local breeds.

Population Decline

1944: The Ongole population was 15 lakh (1.5 million).
2019 Livestock Census: Dropped to 34 lakh (634,000).
Meanwhile, crossbred cattle increased by 29.5% (2012-2019).

How Ongole Cattle Transformed Brazil

In 1885: The first Ongole cows & bulls were sent to Brazil. 7,000 Ongole cattle were exported before the 1960s ban.
Brazilian breeders focused on size, meat quality, and climate adaptability.
- Result: Bigger, heavier, and more muscular Ongole cattle.
80% of Brazil’s 226 million cattle are Ongole/Nelore breed.
Brazil became the world’s largest beef exporter, supplying to China, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA.