Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
7.5
CATTLE AND BUFFALO PRODUCTION
Cattle
Latin Name: Bos taurus
Other English Names: Cow, bull, heifer, calf, steer, ox, bullock, beef
Buffalo
Latin Names: Bubalus arnee and Bubalus carabanesis
Other English Names: Swamp buffalo, river buffalo, carabao, water buffalo
The Latin name Bos taurus is commonly accepted as the official name of cattle shown
in Figure 7.13. However, some taxonomists consider domesticated cattle to be direct
descendents of aurochs and use their Latin name, Bos primigenius, as the name for
domesticated cattle. Bos indicus is another Latin name sometimes used for the
Brahma breed of cattle. Since all cattle are considered to have a common ancestor,
Bos taurus is the only Latin name in common use for all cattle.
The countries with the most cattle are Brazil, India, China, United States, and
Argentina, as shown in Figure 7.14. The production systems in Brazil, United States,
and Argentina are varied, while those of India and China are predominantly mixed
farming systems. Because cattle utilize grasses and other vegetation unsuitable for
human consumption, they are often raised in areas not suited for grain crop production.
Dry prairies and hilly topography are not useful for maize or wheat production but are
well suited for grazing cattle. Cattle are adapted to climates where other animals do not
adapt well. Scottish Highlander cattle have coats of long hair for protection from cold
during the frigid winters. In contrast, the Ovambo breed of Namibia is well adapted to
heat and poor-quality forage.
Figure 7.13. Beef cow and calf.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search