Ongole cattle

Ongole Gitta
Ongole Bull of Moses
Other names
  • Ongolu Gitta
  • Nellore
  • Brahman
Country of originIndia
Use
  • Draught animal
  • Bull race
  • Bull fight
Traits
Weight
  • Male:
    550–700 kg
  • Female:
    400–500 kg
Height
  • Male:
    160–170 cm
  • Female:
    140–155 cm
Skin colourPigmented, dark
CoatWhite or light grey; black markings on head, neck, hump, and feet
Horn statusHorned (short, thick, stumpy)
  • Cattle
  • Bos (primigenius) indicus

The Ongole cattle also known as Ongole Gitta are an indigenous cattle breed that originates from Prakasam District in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. The breed derives its name from the place the breed originates from, Ongole. The Ongole breed of cattle, Bos indicus, is in great demand as it is said to possess resistance to both foot and mouth disease and mad cow disease. This demand has cemented its status as one of the world's most expensive cattle breed, with elite breeding bulls commanding extraordinarily high prices at auctions. These cattle are commonly used in bull fights in Mexico and some parts of East Africa due to their strength and aggressiveness. They also participate in traditional bull fights 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. The mascot of the 2002 National Games of India was Veera, an Ongole Bull.