Sonnilehmä

Sonnilehmä is a Finnish term that literally translates to "bull cow." It refers to a female bovine that has developed male characteristics, often due to genetic or hormonal abnormalities. These animals are typically sterile and do not exhibit the typical reproductive behavior of a cow. The development of a sonnilehmä can be caused by conditions such as freemartinism, where a female twin to a male shares placental blood, leading to masculinization. While rare, the phenomenon is recognized in cattle farming. Sonnilehmät are generally distinguishable from typical cows by their physical appearance, which may include a thicker neck, more robust build, and sometimes a more aggressive temperament. Their presence in a herd is often noted for its unusual nature.