Cattles

Cattle, or domestic cattle, are large domesticated ungulates in the subfamily Bovinae. They are ruminant herbivores kept for meat, milk, leather, and, in some regions, draft work. The domesticated cattle principally include two species: Bos taurus (taurine cattle) and Bos indicus (zebu). They have been maintained by humans for thousands of years and exhibit extensive breed diversity to suit different climates and farming systems.

Physiology and appearance vary widely across breeds, but cattle generally have a robust body, a four-chambered stomach, and a life cycle that centers on calves. Many breeds grow horns, though some are naturally hornless (polled) due to selective breeding or dehorning. Coat colors, sizes, and frame shapes reflect breed adaptation to milk production, meat quality, or draft use. Cattle are highly versatile grazers, typically fed on grasses and forages, with supplements such as hay, silage, or grains as needed.

Reproduction and growth: cattle reach sexual maturity at different ages depending on breed and management. Gestation lasts about 280 to 290 days, resulting in a calf. Calves may be raised for replacement dairy stock or finished for beef. Dairy cattle undergo lactation cycles that produce milk for human consumption, while beef cattle are managed to maximize meat yield. Management practices cover nutrition, vaccination, parasite control, housing, and welfare standards, which vary by region and production system.

Terminology: cattle is the standard plural form; cattles is nonstandard and generally discouraged. Distinct terms include cow (adult female), bull (adult male), heifer (young female), steer (castrated male), and calf (young animal).