Super cow

Her massive, snow-white body is watched over by security cameras, a veterinarian and an armed guard.

Worth US$4 million, Viatina-19 FIV Mara Movéis is the most expensive cow ever sold at auction, according to Guinness World Records. That’s three times more than the last record holder’s price. And at 1100 kilograms, she’s twice as heavy as an average adult of the Nelore breed.

Viatina-19 is said to embody Brazil’s ambition to raise meatier cows, something breeders have pursued there for years. Billboards were put up to encourage ranchers, locals and vet students to go see the super cow.