cow
cow Cattle ( Bos taurus ) are large, domesticated , cloven-hooved , herbivores . They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae and the most widespread species of the genus Bos . Adult females are referred to as cows and adult males are referred to as bulls . Cattle are commonly raised as livestock for meat ( beef or veal , see beef cattle ), for milk (see dairy cattle ), and for hides , which are used to make leather . They are used as riding animals and draft animals ( oxen or bullocks , which pull carts , plows and other implements). Another product of cattle is their dung , which can be used to create manure or fuel . In some regions, such as parts of India, cattle have significant religious significance . Cattle, mostly small breeds such as the Miniature Zebu , are also kept as pets . Different types of cattle are common to different geographic areas. Taurine cattle are found primarily in Europe and tem