Cattle are even-toed ungulates or hoofed mammals, of the species Bos taurus of the family Bovidae, or bovids. Through history, they have had a tremendous effect on human culture, economy, and religion. Bos taurus (or Bos taurus taurus) are the typical cattle of Europe, north-eastern Asia, and parts of Africa.
Breeds such as Angus, Hereford and Charolais are some of the better-known varieties, all of which are adapted to cooler climates and in Australia, typically inhabit southern regions. They have thicker coats to weather cooler winters and do not have the notable 'hump' of their Bos Indicus relatives.
An adult female over two years of age (approximately) is called a cow. An adult, intact (not castrated) male is called a bull. Young cattle are called calves. A young male is called a bull calf; a young female before she has calved the second time is called a heifer.
A gregarious animal, B. taurus occurs in herds of with an average size of 24-52 individuals. In wild settings, herding behavior provided such benefits as increased safety from predators and chances for mating, however in modern herds it is primarily a function of a domestication and human manipulation.
Herds are generally comprised of females and juveniles, with adult males being separated and used primarily for stud purposes.
Breeds of Bos taurus are by far the principal commercial milk-producing animals; the term milk, when unqualified, usually refers to bovine milk,
Bos taurus breeds
