World's most expensive cow sold in Brazil for $4.3 mn

A colossal white cow has been sold at an auction in Brazil for the highest price ever recorded. The sale took place in multiple stages, with half of the cow's ownership rights already sold in 2022 for approximately $800,000, setting a record at that time. In late June of this year, another third of the ownership rights was sold for an equivalent of $1.44 mn, making the total value of the animal $4.3 mn,  Newsweek has reported.

This officially makes it the world's most expensive cow. The cow belongs to the Nellore breed, known for its production of marbled beef. Nellore cows have distinct characteristics such as bright white fur and a prominent hump over their shoulders.

According to the Oklahoma State University, they naturally exhibit high tolerance to higher temperatures due to their loose, droopy skin and have twice as many sweat glands as many European breeds. Originating from the Nellore district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, this breed has become one of the most significant in Brazil, primarily due to its resilience and ability to thrive on lower-quality feed thanks to its efficient metabolism.