Matsusaka cow fetches highest price in 4 years

A cow was sold for 20 million 90,000 yen, or about 231,000 dollars, at an auction held in Matsusaka City, central Japan, on Sunday.

The city is known for its high quality Matsusaka beef.

Fifty carefully selected cows were brought to the venue, and researchers from the prefectural livestock research institute examined their muscles and overall appearance.

" Miyukihime No 3", weighing 662 kilograms, was chosen as the best cow.

In the auction that followed, Miyukihime No 3 was sold for about 231,000 dollars, exceeding last year's highest price by more than 57,000 dollars.

It was the first time in 4 years that the highest price had exceeded 20 million yen, or about 231,000 dollars.

People attending the auction cheered when they heard that the cow had fetched the high price, despite the harsh economic climate.