Price Tag of 5.6 Billion Won... Why the World's Most Expensive Cow Is Up for Auction

Auction Held to Raise Funds for Flood Damage Relief

A Brazilian cow, recognized as the "most expensive cow in the world" and listed in the Guinness World Records, is going up for auction to raise funds for flood victims in southern Brazil.

The Brazilian cow "Viathina," listed in the Guinness Book as the "most expensive cow in the world," will be auctioned to raise funds for flood victims in southern Brazil. [Image source=Instagram capture]

On the 15th (local time), Brazilian media outlet G1 reported that Viatina, a Brazilian cow valued at 21 million reais (approximately 5.6 billion KRW) due to its recognized genetic excellence and registered in the Guinness World Records in March as the "most expensive cow in the world," will be auctioned to raise funds for flood victims in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. The auction will take place at the 1st Agricultural Solidarity Auction event, with proceeds to be donated to flood victims.

Viatina's attending veterinarian stated, "The value of Viatina is determined firstly by her beautiful appearance, secondly by her ability to produce large quantities of premium meat, and thirdly by her perfectly formed four legs." He explained, "Viatina is a gene bank that enables production for various purposes. She provides genes that can create beautiful breeds and genes that can produce high-quality meat." The veterinarian added, "To preserve Viatina's excellent genes, the managing company extracts about 80 eggs at a time, 10 times a year, and through various technologies, about 70 calves with superior genetics are born annually." The agricultural media Kompulihurau elaborated, "Viatina's superior genes play a significant role in accelerating genetic improvement of cattle through embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, and other biotechnologies, contributing to livestock production and meat quality enhancement."

The Brazilian cow "Viathina," listed in the Guinness Book as the "most expensive cow in the world," will be auctioned to raise funds for flood victims in southern Brazil. [Image source=Instagram capture]

Additionally, Nelore cattle, the same breed as Viatina, naturally possess strong heat resistance due to their loose skin, which is twice as large and has 30% more sweat glands compared to European breeds. Their thick skin also provides high resistance to blood-sucking insects and parasites. They are known to grow well even on low-quality feed thanks to their healthy and efficient metabolism. Female Nelore cattle have wide pelvises and large birth canals, making reproduction easier.

Meanwhile, in July last year, 33% of Viatina's shares were auctioned. At that time, the 33% stake was sold for 6.99 million reais (approximately 1.9 billion KRW at the time). Based on the auction price on that day, purchasing 100% of Viatina's shares would require 21 million reais (approximately 5.6 billion KRW).