C for cattle, C for cash
With the help of a thriving bovine genetics business, Brazil is on the way to become the world's largest cattle exporter. The country recently witnessed the Opera and Bilara Auction, an event of prime importance for cattle breeders. Ranchers spent US $1.5 million to buy 33 fertilised cattle eggs.
Ranchers earn huge profits from cattle exports and reinvest the money in buying embryos, eggs and sperm. They improve their products through embryo transfers, in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination. Brazil has the world's largest cattle herd, low-cost land, labour and extensive pastures. Raising cattle on grass costs less and saves them from mad cow disease. Brazilian beef exports have nearly tripled in the last five years.