Ongole cattle
- Ongole cattle is an indigenous cattle breed that originates from Prakasam District in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Ongole is a prominent dual-purpose breed of Andhra Pradesh. The breed got its name from its geographical area of origin, i.e. Ongole.
- The breed is also known as “Nellore” as the Ongole area was earlier in Nellore district. The breeding tract of the breed includes East Godavari, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore and Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh and extends all along the coast from Nellore to Vizianagram.
- The breed is known for hardiness, disease resistance and capacity to thrive on scanty resources.
- 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.
- These cattle are commonly used in bullfights in Mexico and some parts of East Africa due to their strength and aggressiveness.
- They also participate in traditional bullfights in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Cattle breeders use the fighting ability of the bulls to choose the right stock for breeding in terms of purity and strength.