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.

What do cows eat?

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.

How many cows can graze per acre?

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.

Why do cows wear bells?

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.

Bovines Guides
Browse through our curated Bovines Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Bovines. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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63.8”-84.3” | 162-214 cm
30.7”-40.6” | 78-103 cm
86”-114” | 218-290 cm
900-2000 lb | 410-910 kg
12-20 years (wild); 20-40 years (captivity)
American Bison
214.000
103.000
290.000
910.000
40.00
36600
GUIDE
3D
American Bison
93.7”-100.8” | 238-256 cm
46.9”-51.2” | 119-130 cm
113”-123” | 286-312 cm
3300-3500 lb | 1500-1590 kg
14-16 years
Ancient Bison
256.000
130.000
312.000
1590.000
16.00
1750
GUIDE
3D
Ancient Bison
Auroch
32800
61.4”-74” | 156-188 cm
24.8”-28.7” | 63-73 cm
105”-128” | 267-325 cm
1550-3300 lb | 700-1500 kg
25-30 years
Auroch
188.000
73.000
325.000
1500.000
30.00
32800
GUIDE
3D
Auroch
Banteng
44700
55.5”-74” | 141-188 cm
22.8”-30.7” | 58-78 cm
89”-118” | 226-299 cm
1300-1764 lb | 590-800 kg
16-20 years (wild); 20-27 years (captivity)
Banteng
188.000
78.000
299.000
800.000
27.00
44700
GUIDE
3D
Banteng
57.1”-61” | 145-155 cm
22.4”-24.4” | 57-62 cm
86”-94” | 218-238 cm
1150-2300 lb | 520-1045 kg (Total)
2-3 years (productive); 10-15 years (natural)
Black Angus Cattle
155.000
62.000
238.000
1045.000
15.00
1900
GUIDE
3D
Black Angus Cattle
Bongo
11250
53.9”-63.4” | 137-161 cm
18.1”-22” | 46-56 cm
66”-77” | 167-196 cm
330-904 lb | 150-410 kg
8-12 years (wild); 18-21 years (captivity)
Bongo
161.000
56.000
196.000
410.000
21.00
11250
GUIDE
3D
Bongo
60.2”-73.6” | 153-187 cm
32.7”-38.6” | 83-98 cm
96”-118” | 245-300 cm
1213-1918 lb | 550-870 kg
20-23 years (wild); 23-29 years (captivity)
Cape Buffalo
187.000
98.000
300.000
870.000
29.00
25600
GUIDE
3D
Cape Buffalo
56.3”-61.4” | 143-156 cm
22.8”-25.2” | 58-64 cm
91”-100” | 230-253 cm
1250-2500 lb | 565-1135 kg (Total)
4-6 years (productive); 15-40 years (natural)
Charolais Cattle
156.000
64.000
253.000
1135.000
40.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Charolais Cattle
55.9”-71.7” | 142-182 cm
19.7”-25.2” | 50-64 cm
83”-106” | 212-269 cm
661-2072 lb | 300-940 kg
15-20 years (wild); up to 25 years (captivity)
Common Eland
182.000
64.000
269.000
940.000
25.00
5700
GUIDE
3D
Common Eland
48”-62.6” | 122-159 cm
26.8”-34.25” | 68-87 cm
84”-109” | 214-276 cm
496-1290 lb | 225-585 kg
20-25 years (wild); 25-28 years (captivity)
Domestic Yak
159.000
87.000
276.000
585.000
28.00
1500
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Yak
75.2”-81.5” | 191-207 cm
33.1”-35” | 84-89 cm
98”-107” | 250-271 cm
661-2028 lb | 300-920 kg
18-24 years (wild); 25-30 years (captivity)
European Bison
207.000
89.000
271.000
920.000
30.00
14500
GUIDE
3D
European Bison
28.7”-33.1” | 73-84 cm
7.5”-8.7” | 19-22 cm
30.7”-34.6” | 78-88 cm
37-49 lb | 17-22 kg
8-10 years (wild); up to 17 years (captivity)
Four-Horned Antelope
84.000
22.000
88.000
22.000
17.00
3670
GUIDE
3D
Four-Horned Antelope
Gaur
125800
76.8”-98.4” | 195-250 cm
32.7”-41.7” | 83-106 cm
120”-152” | 305-386 cm
1323-3307 lb | 600-1500 kg
20-26 years
Gaur
250.000
106.000
386.000
1500.000
26.00
125800
GUIDE
3D
Gaur
69.7”-83.1” | 177-211 cm
20.1”-24” | 51-61 cm
88”-106” | 224-269 cm
661-2645 lb | 300-1200 kg
15-20 years (wild); 20-25 years (captivity)
Giant Eland
211.000
61.000
269.000
1200.000
25.00
3200
GUIDE
3D
Giant Eland
48”-71.7” | 122-182 cm
12.6”-19.7” | 32-50 cm
54”-81” | 138-206 cm
265-595 lb | 120-270 kg
7-10 years (wild); 15-23 years (captivity)
Greater Kudu
182.000
50.000
206.000
270.000
23.00
11800
GUIDE
3D
Greater Kudu
60.2”-64.6” | 153-164 cm
25.2”-27.6” | 64-70 cm
93”-100” | 236-255 cm
1200-2300 lb | 545-1045 kg (Total)
1-2 years (productive); 12-20 years (natural)
Hereford Cattle
164.000
70.000
255.000
1045.000
20.00
25000
GUIDE
3D
Hereford Cattle
37.4”-48.8” | 95-124 cm
19.3”-25.2” | 49-64 cm
62”-81” | 157-206 cm
900-2000 lb | 410-910 kg (Total)
1-3 years (productive); 15-22 years (natural)
Highland Cattle
124.000
64.000
206.000
910.000
22.00
48000
GUIDE
3D
Highland Cattle
62.2”-67.3” | 158-171 cm
23.6”-25.6” | 60-65 cm
93”-98” | 235-250 cm
1200-1700 lb | 545-770 kg
4-6 years (productive); 15-20 years (natural)
Holstein Friesian Cattle
171.000
65.000
250.000
770.000
20.00
28000
GUIDE
3D
Holstein Friesian Cattle
47.6”-58.3” | 121-148 cm
12.6”-15.75” | 32-40 cm
49”-61” | 125-154 cm
198-342 lb | 90-155 kg
7-15 years (wild); 15-20 years (captivity)
Lesser Kudu
148.000
40.000
154.000
155.000
20.00
4750
GUIDE
3D
Lesser Kudu
Nilgai
119150
57.9”-72.4” | 147-184 cm
17.3”-22.4” | 44-57 cm
68”-85” | 172-217 cm
220-639 lb | 100-290 kg
12-13 years (wild); 20-22 years (captivity)
Nilgai
184.000
57.000
217.000
290.000
22.00
119150
GUIDE
3D
Nilgai
Nyala
31250
42.9”-57.5” | 109-146 cm
13”-17.7” | 33-45 cm
53”-70” | 134-178 cm
121-275 lb | 55-125 kg
11-16 years (wild); 15-19 years (captivity)
Nyala
146.000
45.000
178.000
125.000
19.00
31250
GUIDE
3D
Nyala
61”-64.6” | 155-164 cm
21.3”-22.4” | 54-57 cm
82”-87” | 208-220 cm
1100-1800 lb | 500-815 kg (Total)
1-2 years (productive); 10-15 years (natural)
Red Angus Cattle
164.000
57.000
220.000
815.000
15.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Red Angus Cattle
Saola
45600
40.2”-45.7” | 102-116 cm
11”-13” | 28-33 cm
46”-52.75” | 117-134 cm
175-220 lb | 80-100 kg
8-11 years (wild); 12-15 years (captivity)
Saola
116.000
33.000
134.000
100.000
15.00
45600
GUIDE
3D
Saola
59”-70” | 150-178 cm
22”-25.6” | 56-65 cm
83”-98” | 212-250 cm
1545-2865 lb | 700-1300 kg (Total)
1-1.5 years (productive); 15-20 years (natural)
Simmental Cattle
178.000
65.000
250.000
1300.000
20.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
Simmental Cattle
32.7”-53.5” | 83-136 cm
9.4”-15” | 24-38 cm
42”-67” | 106-170 cm
88-275 lb | 40-125 kg
10-15 years (wild); 17-22 years (captivity)
Sitatunga
136.000
38.000
170.000
125.000
22.00
7160
GUIDE
3D
Sitatunga
Tamaraw
25100
41.3”-51.2” | 105-130 cm
20.1”-24.4” | 51-62 cm
72”-87” | 183-222 cm
400-660 lb | 180-300 kg
20-25 years (wild); 20-25 years (captivity)
Tamaraw
130.000
62.000
222.000
300.000
25.00
25100
GUIDE
3D
Tamaraw
52.8”-66.1” | 134-168 cm
19.3”-24.4” | 49-62 cm
82”-104” | 209-264 cm
600-2500 lb | 270-1135 kg (Total)
1-5 years (productive); 20-30 years (natural)
Texas Longhorn Cattle
168.000
62.000
264.000
1135.000
30.00
3100
GUIDE
3D
Texas Longhorn Cattle
48.4”-55.5” | 123-141 cm
22.4”-27.6” | 57-70 cm
80”-91” | 203-232 cm
1320-2645 lb | 600-1200 kg
20-25 years
Water Buffalo
141.000
70.000
232.000
1200.000
25.00
112700
GUIDE
3D
Water Buffalo
68.1”-87.4” | 173-222 cm
29.5”-38.6” | 75-98 cm
115”-149” | 292-378 cm
1102-2645 lb | 500-1200 kg
20-25 years (wild); 25-28 years (captivity)
Wild Yak
222.000
98.000
378.000
1200.000
28.00
10600
GUIDE
3D
Wild Yak
Zebu
91150
48.8”-62.2” | 124-158 cm
22.4”-28” | 57-71 cm
71”-89” | 180-226 cm
330-600 lb | 150-270 kg
18-21 years
Zebu
158.000
71.000
226.000
270.000
21.00
91150
GUIDE
3D
Zebu
American Bison (Bison bison)
Scale illustration of an average American Bison compared to a human

The American Bison, or commonly referred to as American Buffalo, is a North American native that once roamed the plains with large herds. The American Bison is North America's largest land mammal when fully grown. American Bison's have many distinctive features: their deep brown fur, large beard and mane, and their large hump on its shoulders, their most striking feature. American Bison's defend themselves by smashing their thick skulls onto their predators.

Once a symbol for the American Great Plains, vast herds of bison provided food, clothing and tools for the native people of the prairies. After being hunted to near extinction by settlers, the majority of bison today are raised in captivity as livestock.

American Bisons have a shoulder height between 59.8”-78” (152-198 cm), body length from 86”-114” (218-290 cm), standing height of roughly 63.8”-84.3” (162-214 cm), and a body width of 30.7”-40.6” (78-103 cm). The horns of a American Bison are between 20”-24” (50.8-61 cm). Weights of American Bison vary between males and females with males weighing between 1500-2000 lb (680-910 kg) and females from 900-1200 lb (410-545 kg). American Bisons have a typical lifespan of 12-20 years in the wild and 20-40 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of American Bison in various standing poses
The American Bison, or commonly referred to as American Buffalo, is a North American native that once roamed the plains with large herds. The American Bison is North America's largest land mammal when fully grown. American Bison's have many distinctive features including large beards and hump.

American Bisons have a shoulder height between 59.8”-78” (152-198 cm), body length from 86”-114” (218-290 cm), standing height of roughly 63.8”-84.3” (162-214 cm), and a body width of 30.7”-40.6” (78-103 cm). The horns of a American Bison are between 20”-24” (50.8-61 cm). Weights of American Bison vary between males and females with males weighing between 1500-2000 lb (680-910 kg) and females from 900-1200 lb (410-545 kg). American Bisons have a typical lifespan of 12-20 years in the wild and 20-40 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of American Bison in various standing poses
American Bison (Bison bison)
Height:
63.8”-84.3” | 162-214 cm
Width:
30.7”-40.6” | 78-103 cm
Length:
86”-114” | 218-290 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
59.8”-78” | 152-198 cm
Weight:
900-2000 lb | 410-910 kg
Area:

Horn Length: 20”-24” | 50.8-61 cm

Weight (Male): 1500-2000 lb | 680-910 kg

Weight (Female): 900-1200 lb | 410-545 kg

Scientific Name
Bison bison
Lifespan
12-20 years (wild); 20-40 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

American Bison side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Black Angus Cattle
Scale illustration of an average Black Angus Cattle compared to a human

The Black Angus, a pure, pollinated beef cattle breed, also known for many years as ”Aberdeen Angus”. The origin of the Black Angus is unclear, but the breed is closely related to the curly-coated Galloway and is local to the Northeastern parts of Scotland. Often referred to as the oldest breed in Britain. Characteristic of the Black Angus is the black color, the pollinated eyes, the small and low neck. Angus is a cattle breed of the highest rank and, for years, purebred or crossbred Angus steers have occupied prominent positions of distinction at the leading fat-stock shows in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Black Angus Cattle have a shoulder height between 53.1”-57.1” (135-145 cm), body length from 86”-94” (218-238 cm), standing height of roughly 57.1”-61” (145-155 cm), and a body width of 22.4”-24.4” (57-62 cm). Weights of Black Angus Cattle vary between males and females with males weighing between 1850-2300 lb (840-1045 kg) and females from 1150-1250 lb (520-565 kg). Black Angus Cattle have a typical productive lifespan of 2-3 years and natural lifespan of 10-15 years.

Collection of scaled drawings of Black Angus Cattle in various standing poses
The Black Angus, a pure, pollinated beef cattle breed, also known for many years as ”Aberdeen Angus”. The origin of the Black Angus is unclear, but the breed is closely related to the curly-coated Galloway and is local to the Northeastern parts of Scotland.

Black Angus Cattle have a shoulder height between 53.1”-57.1” (135-145 cm), body length from 86”-94” (218-238 cm), standing height of roughly 57.1”-61” (145-155 cm), and a body width of 22.4”-24.4” (57-62 cm). Weights of Black Angus Cattle vary between males and females with males weighing between 1850-2300 lb (840-1045 kg) and females from 1150-1250 lb (520-565 kg). Black Angus Cattle have a typical productive lifespan of 2-3 years and natural lifespan of 10-15 years.

Collection of scaled drawings of Black Angus Cattle in various standing poses
Black Angus Cattle
Height:
57.1”-61” | 145-155 cm
Width:
22.4”-24.4” | 57-62 cm
Length:
86”-94” | 218-238 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
53.1”-57.1” | 135-145 cm
Weight:
1150-2300 lb | 520-1045 kg (Total)
Area:

Weight (Male): 1850-2300 lb | 840-1045 kg

Weight (Female): 1150-1250 lb | 520-565 kg

Scientific Name
Bos taurus primigenius
Lifespan
2-3 years (productive); 10-15 years (natural)

Drawings include:

Black Angus Cattle side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
Scale illustration of an average Nilgai compared to a human

The Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), sometimes referred to as Blue Bull is a native to the Indian subcontinent and is the largest Asian antelope within the bovid family. Nilgais live in a flat, rising, dry savanna, lined with minimal forest and scrub. Requiring minimum shelter, the Nilgai avoids thick forests and is most common in central and northwestern India. Often in herds of 10 or less, each heard consists of all males or all females never a mix of both.

Nilgais have a shoulder height between 47.2”-59.1” (120-150 cm), body length from 68”-85” (172-217 cm), standing height of roughly 57.9”-72.4” (147-184 cm), and a body width of 17.3”-22.4” (44-57 cm). The horns of a Nilgai are between 6”-12” (15.2-30.5 cm). Weights of Nilgai vary between males and females with males weighing between 243-639 lb (110-290 kg) and females from 220-474 lb (100-215 kg). Nilgais have a typical lifespan of 12-13 years in the wild and 20-22 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Nilgai in various standing poses
The Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), sometimes referred to as Blue Bull is a native to the Indian subcontinent and is the largest Asian antelope within the bovid family. Nilgais live in a flat, rising, dry savanna, lined with minimal forest and scrub.

Nilgais have a shoulder height between 47.2”-59.1” (120-150 cm), body length from 68”-85” (172-217 cm), standing height of roughly 57.9”-72.4” (147-184 cm), and a body width of 17.3”-22.4” (44-57 cm). The horns of a Nilgai are between 6”-12” (15.2-30.5 cm). Weights of Nilgai vary between males and females with males weighing between 243-639 lb (110-290 kg) and females from 220-474 lb (100-215 kg). Nilgais have a typical lifespan of 12-13 years in the wild and 20-22 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Nilgai in various standing poses
Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
Height:
57.9”-72.4” | 147-184 cm
Width:
17.3”-22.4” | 44-57 cm
Length:
68”-85” | 172-217 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
47.2”-59.1” | 120-150 cm
Weight:
220-639 lb | 100-290 kg
Area:

Horn Length: 6”-12” | 15.2-30.5 cm

Weight (Male): 243-639 lb | 110-290 kg

Weight (Female): 220-474 lb | 100-215 kg

Scientific Name
Boselaphus tragocamelus
Lifespan
12-13 years (wild); 20-22 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Nilgai side elevation, front, lying down

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Charolais Cattle
Comparison illustration of the size of a Charolais Cattle to a typical person

Charolais is a breed of large and cream-colored bovine animals that have been bred for draft purposes in France but are mostly used for breeding and beef production, which is behind the popularity of the Holstein. The Charolais is a crossbreed of beef and dairy cows; the Charbray, a hybrid of Charolais and Brahman. The Charolais was first imported into the United States from a herd in Mexico in 1936 and is now a regional favorite and globally distributed. Charolais are herbivores which means they only eat plants and vegetables. Charolais are typically robust, they are resistant to cold winters and hot summers.

Charolais Cattle have a shoulder height between 53.1”-59” (135-150 cm), body length from 91”-100” (230-253 cm), standing height of roughly 56.3”-61.4” (143-156 cm), and a body width of 22.8”-25.2” (58-64 cm). Weights of Charolais Cattle vary between males and females with males weighing between 2000-2500 lb (910-1135 kg) and females from 1250-1600 lb (565-725 kg). Charolais Cattle have a typical productive lifespan of 4-6 years and natural lifespan of 15-40 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Charolais Cattle
Charolais is a breed of large and cream-colored bovine animals that have been bred for draft purposes in France but are mostly used for breeding and beef production, which is behind the popularity of the Holstein. The Charolais is a crossbreed of beef and dairy cows.

Charolais Cattle have a shoulder height between 53.1”-59” (135-150 cm), body length from 91”-100” (230-253 cm), standing height of roughly 56.3”-61.4” (143-156 cm), and a body width of 22.8”-25.2” (58-64 cm). Weights of Charolais Cattle vary between males and females with males weighing between 2000-2500 lb (910-1135 kg) and females from 1250-1600 lb (565-725 kg). Charolais Cattle have a typical productive lifespan of 4-6 years and natural lifespan of 15-40 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Charolais Cattle
Charolais Cattle
Height:
56.3”-61.4” | 143-156 cm
Width:
22.8”-25.2” | 58-64 cm
Length:
91”-100” | 230-253 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
53.1”-59” | 135-150 cm
Weight:
1250-2500 lb | 565-1135 kg (Total)
Area:

Weight (Male): 2000-2500 lb | 910-1135 kg

Weight (Female): 1250-1600 lb | 565-725 kg

Scientific Name
Bos taurus primigenius
Lifespan
4-6 years (productive); 15-40 years (natural)

Drawings include:

Charolais Cattle side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Gaur (Bos gaurus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Gaur to a typical person

Gaur (Bos gaurus), one of several wild cattle species of the Bovidae family. Gaur lives in the mountain forests of India, Southeast Asia, and the Malay Peninsula in small herds with significantly diminished numbers. Gaurs reach a shoulder height higher than most other wild cattle. It is heavy-bodied and usually has blue-eyed horns, a high crown (convex ridge) on the forehead, and white legs and snouts. Male Gaurs are dark brown or blackish while female Gaurs are reddish-brown. Gaurs are found mostly in forests or semi-eternal and damp leafy woodlands but are often roaming within its local region.

Gaurs have a shoulder height between 66.9”-86.6” (170-220 cm), body length from 120”-152” (305-386 cm), standing height of roughly 76.8”-98.4” (195-250 cm), and a body width of 32.7”-41.7” (83-106 cm). The horns of a Gaur are between 24”-45” (61-114.3 cm). Weights of Gaurs vary between males and females with males weighing between 2205-3307 lb (1000-1500 kg) and females from 1323-1543 lb (600-700 kg). Gaurs have a typical lifespan of 20-26 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Gaur
Gaur (Bos gaurus), one of several wild cattle species of the Bovidae family. Gaur lives in the mountain forests of India, Southeast Asia, and the Malay Peninsula in small herds with significantly diminished numbers. Gaurs reach a shoulder height higher than most other wild cattle.

Gaurs have a shoulder height between 66.9”-86.6” (170-220 cm), body length from 120”-152” (305-386 cm), standing height of roughly 76.8”-98.4” (195-250 cm), and a body width of 32.7”-41.7” (83-106 cm). The horns of a Gaur are between 24”-45” (61-114.3 cm). Weights of Gaurs vary between males and females with males weighing between 2205-3307 lb (1000-1500 kg) and females from 1323-1543 lb (600-700 kg). Gaurs have a typical lifespan of 20-26 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Gaur
Gaur (Bos gaurus)
Height:
76.8”-98.4” | 195-250 cm
Width:
32.7”-41.7” | 83-106 cm
Length:
120”-152” | 305-386 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
66.9”-86.6” | 170-220 cm
Weight:
1323-3307 lb | 600-1500 kg
Area:

Horn Length: 24”-45” | 61-114.3 cm

Weight (Male): 2205-3307 lb | 1000-1500 kg

Weight (Female): 1323-1543 lb | 600-700 kg

Scientific Name
Bos gaurus
Lifespan
20-26 years

Drawings include:

Gaur side elevation, front, back, lying down

Details & Downloads

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