cows

Cows are domesticated bovine animals kept for milk, meat, hides, and work. The term cow usually denotes an adult female, while cattle refers to the broader group that includes females, males, and calves. Domestic cattle descend from the wild aurochs and are raised worldwide, with tens of thousands of distinct breeds adapted to various climates and purposes.

Taxonomically, cattle belong to the order Artiodactyla, family Bovidae, subfamily Bovinae. They are ruminants with a four-chamber stomach (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum) that allows microbial digestion of forage. Many breeds have horns, though some are dehorned or naturally hornless (polled). Cattle anatomy also features a specialized dental pad and variations in size, coat, and temperament.

Domestication occurred thousands of years ago in multiple regions, yielding two major lineages: Bos taurus (taurine cattle) and Bos indicus (zebu). Cattle are kept for dairy production, beef, or both, and management practices range from grazing systems to intensive feedlots. Dairy cows are selected for milk yield and lactation, while beef cattle are chosen for growth and meat quality.

Reproduction typically includes a gestation of about nine months, with calves weaned after several months. Dairy operations manage successive lactations, often about a year apart. Welfare and ethical considerations influence housing, handling, and transport. Cattle hold substantial economic importance and feature prominently in agriculture, industry, and culture across many regions.