Daily grooming, pedicures and luxury transport: The life of Brazil’s ‘supercows’
Brazilian ‘supercows’ are becoming sought-after around the world.
Picture: Jose Reynaldo da Fonseca via Wikimedia Commons
CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit speaks with Professor Lyal White, research associate with the Brenthurst Foundation.
Listen below:
In southeastern Brazil, bovine beauty pageants are held to find the most genetically desirable cows in the world.
These ‘supercows’ may transform the meat farming industry.
The breed of cow dominating these pageants is the drapey-necked ‘zebu’ cows.
Zebu cows initially originated in India but have taken over South America, making up 80% of Brazil’s cow population.
White says these cows are auctioned for millions, and champion cows receive star treatment.
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“Daily grooming, pedicures, and luxury transport are provided for these bovines.”
- Professor Lyal White, research associate - Brenthurst Foundation
One of these cows, a female named Viatina-19 FIV Mara Movéis, has been valued at $ 4 million and has a team of bodyguards protecting her.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview for more.