Bos taurus

Cows are social animals that prefer living in herds. They graze on grass and other vegetation, spending a significant portion of their day eating. Cows communicate through vocalizations and body language, forming strong bonds within their herd.

Cows breed through natural mating or artificial insemination. Gestation typically lasts around nine months, after which calves are born. Breeding programs aim to improve desirable traits such as milk production, meat quality, and disease resistance.

Cows are large mammals with a distinctive body shape, including a broad head, sturdy legs, and a large udder for milk production. They have a varied coat coloration and pattern, depending on the breed. Some cows may also have horns, although many dairy breeds are polled (hornless).

Cows have been domesticated for thousands of years, with evidence of their importance in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. They played a crucial role in agricultural societies, providing milk, meat, leather, and labor.

Cows are one of the most economically significant livestock species worldwide, providing milk, meat, and other products for human consumption. They are raised on farms and ranches globally, with modern breeding and management practices aimed at improving productivity and animal welfare. Conservation efforts focus on preserving rare and heritage cattle breeds to maintain genetic diversity within the global cattle population.