Bovines | Bovinae
Cattle, also commonly referred to as cows, are the most commonly domesticated ungulates. Evidence of the domestication of cattle dates back to 6,500 B.C., with cattle being one of the first species domesticated after sheep, goats, pigs, and dogs. Domestic cattle serve a trifold purpose being raised for their meat, milk, and work abilities. In some areas of the world, such as India, cattle are a religious figure and are not raised for slaughter. Cattle are not as commonly raised for their work abilities as they used to be, since they were replace by horses and then later machines; they are now primarily raised for meat or dairy.
Cows are herbivores and need of lots of nutrition to produce milk. A cow’s diet consists of grass silage, hay, alfalfa hay, grains, and corn. Typically, barley, oats, minerals, and vitamins are mixed into their food. Cows drink about 25 gallons of water a day.
Generally, a cow and calf pair need 1.5 to 2 acres for adequate grazing, but this depends on the location. Other factors that affect how many cows can graze per acre include the soil fertility, pasture quality, and rain.
Cowbells are used by farmers locate and keep track of the cow herd by the sound of the bells. They also may scare away any potential predators. As technology has improved, the use and need of cowbells has become less popular.
