Ongole breed of cattle had remained indispensable for all farm operations for centuries in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in view of their draught power.

Ongole Cattle

• Ongole cattle are an indigenous cattle breed that originates from Prakasam District in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• The breed derives its name from the place the breed originates from, Ongole.
• The Ongole breed of cattle Bos Indicus, has a great demand as it is said to possess resistance to both foot and mouth disease and mad cow disease.

What’s so special about this breed?

• Cattle breeders use the fighting ability of the bulls to choose the right stock for breeding in terms of purity and strength.
• Ongole cattle are known for their toughness, rapid growth rate, and natural tolerance to tropical heat and disease resistance.
• It was perhaps the first Indian breed of cattle to gain worldwide recognition.

• Ongole milk is rich in A2 (allele of Beta Casein).
• They fetches a premium price of over ₹150 per litre as it enables consumers build immunity against viral and other diseases.

Global Prominence

• Ongole bulls have gone as far as America, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Indonesia, West Indies, Australia, Fiji, Mauritius, Indo-China and Philippines.
• The Brahmana bull in America is an off-breed of the Ongole.
• The population of Ongole off-breed in Brazil is said to number several million.
• The famous Santa Gertrudis breed developed in Texas, USA have Ongole blood.
• It has gained global prominence, particularly in Brazil which imported barely hundred animals and produced multiple superior breeds like the world famous Zebu.

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