Bovins

Bovins, or bovines, are members of the subfamily Bovinae within the family Bovidae. They are large, hoofed ruminants that include domestic cattle and a range of wild relatives. The most common domesticated forms are Bos taurus (taurine cattle) and Bos indicus (zebu), used for meat, milk, and draught work. Their ancestors lie in the extinct aurochs (Bos primigenius), domesticated in multiple regions during the Neolithic.

Bovines are characterized by a specialized stomach for fermenting plant material, and most have horns or horns reduced through selective breeding. They show great diversity in size, coat color, and adaptation, from high-yielding dairy cows to compact beef breeds and work animals. Management practices vary widely by production system, but common features include controlled breeding, nutrition management, vaccination, and welfare considerations.

In agriculture, cattle contribute substantially to meat and dairy industries worldwide. Dairy cattle are kept primarily for milk production, while beef cattle are raised for meat. Secondary products include leather and byproducts.

Environmental and welfare considerations have grown in importance. Cattle farming influences land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water resources. Welfare concerns focus on housing, handling, transport, and slaughter. Efforts to improve sustainability include improved feed efficiency, breeding for health, and certification programs for animal welfare and product origin.