Cow

Presentation

The Cow is a large herbivorous mammal domesticated for approximately 10,000 years. Belonging to the Bovidae family, it is one of the most important farm animals in the world, raised primarily for its meat, milk and skin.

The Cow has a massive, stocky body, covered in a coat of short, dense hair. She bears two curved horns, although some breeds are hornless. Its four strong legs support considerable weight, and it has a complex digestive system adapted to its function as a ruminant.

Characteristics

BREEDS

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

Cow is raised on farms and meadows around the world. It adapts to many climates and altitudes, although temperate, well-grassed areas remain ideal. It needs shelter, quality pastures and access to water for its well-being.

Behaviour

Cows are social and gregarious animals that live in hierarchical herds. They are generally calm and docile, with a remarkable memory. They spend about 8 hours a day grazing and are active especially at dawn and dusk.

Reproduction

Cow reaches sexual maturity around 15 months and can reproduce all year round. The gestation period lasts about 280 days, and the female usually gives birth to a single calf. She produces milk after each birth to breastfeed her young.

Peculiarities

The Cow has excellent spatial memory and recognizes its conspecifics by odors and vocalizations. She can produce up to 25 liters of milk per day depending on her breed and breeding conditions. Its laterally located eyes give it almost 360 degree vision, ideal for detecting predators.

Threats and conservation

As a domestic animal, the Cow is not threatened with extinction. However, certain old and local breeds are becoming rare in the face of the intensification of agriculture and the standardization of industrial breeding.

References

Profile updated 10 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.