Cattle: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Cow.jpg|left|thumb|350px|Friesian cow]] | |||
'''Cattle''' most commonly refers to the species ''Bos taurus'',<ref>{{citation | '''Cattle''' most commonly refers to the species ''Bos taurus'',<ref>{{citation | ||
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=9913 | | url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=9913 | ||
| title = Bos taurus | | title = Bos taurus | ||
| publisher = National Center for Biotechnology Information}}</ref> as raised for [[agriculture]]. Properly, a [[cow]] is the female of the species, although "cows" and "cattle" often are used interchangeably. [[Bull]] refers to a male that has not been [[castration|castrated]] while a [[steer]] is a castrated male. Bull and cow are also used to refer to males and females of species as diverse as [[elephant]]s and [[whale]]s. '''Bovine''' is the adjective although also used as a noun. | | publisher = National Center for Biotechnology Information}}</ref> as raised for [[agriculture]]. Properly, a [[cow]] is the female of the species, although "cows" and "cattle" often are used interchangeably. [[Bull]] refers to a male that has not been [[castration|castrated]] while a [[steer]] or bullock is a castrated male. Bull and cow are also used to refer to males and females of species as diverse as [[elephant]]s and [[whale]]s. '''Bovine''' is the adjective although also used as a noun. | ||
[[Beef]] is the [[meat]] of adult cattle while [[veal]] comes from immature animals. Cows also produce [[milk]], the base of the [[dairy]] industry. | [[Beef]] is the [[meat]] of adult cattle while [[veal]] comes from immature animals. Cows also produce [[milk]], the base of the [[dairy]] industry. | ||
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The constellation [[Taurus]] represents a [[bull]]. | The constellation [[Taurus]] represents a [[bull]]. | ||
==Industry== | ==Industry== | ||
[[Image:Marc-bull.jpg|thumb|right|340px|alt=Bull, painting.|A bull depicted in [[art]].<small>Franz Marc (1880-1916) circa 1911.</small>]] | |||
The United States has the largest fed-cattle industry in the world, and is the world's largest producer of beef, primarily high-quality, grain-fed beef for domestic and export use. The industry is roughly divided into two production sectors: cow-calf operations and cattle feeding.<ref>{{citation | The United States has the largest fed-cattle industry in the world, and is the world's largest producer of beef, primarily high-quality, grain-fed beef for domestic and export use. The industry is roughly divided into two production sectors: cow-calf operations and cattle feeding.<ref>{{citation | ||
| url = http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Cattle/Background.htm | | url = http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Cattle/Background.htm | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}}[[Category:Suggestion Bot Tag]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:00, 25 July 2024
Cattle most commonly refers to the species Bos taurus,[1] as raised for agriculture. Properly, a cow is the female of the species, although "cows" and "cattle" often are used interchangeably. Bull refers to a male that has not been castrated while a steer or bullock is a castrated male. Bull and cow are also used to refer to males and females of species as diverse as elephants and whales. Bovine is the adjective although also used as a noun.
Beef is the meat of adult cattle while veal comes from immature animals. Cows also produce milk, the base of the dairy industry.
Religious symbolism
Cattle have symbolic roles in many religions, with the symbolism ranging from adequate food to cows representing fertility.
The constellation Taurus represents a bull.
Industry
The United States has the largest fed-cattle industry in the world, and is the world's largest producer of beef, primarily high-quality, grain-fed beef for domestic and export use. The industry is roughly divided into two production sectors: cow-calf operations and cattle feeding.[2] The economic significance of this industry justifies oversight both by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the executive branch. In the Congress, the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture and the Subcommittee on Domestic & Foreign Marketing, Inspection, & Plant & Animal Health of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry can be said to have policy responsibility, in the U.S. government, for bull and related matters.
References
- ↑ Bos taurus, National Center for Biotechnology Information
- ↑ Cattle: Background, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture