Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
FIG 4.17
Dog skeletal structure.
Cows
First domesticated around 9,000 years ago, cattle were bred not just for
meat and milk production but for their hides, bones, and horns. The cow's
physiognomy reflects its nature; it is a digitigrade that walks on its toes. The
cow is capable of walking and galloping, but compared with the horse it is
limited in its locomotion due to its size and weight. A cow's legs are long
but much heavier than that of a horse to enable it to support its massive
frame.
The cow's musculature is well developed; the neck is rather shorter than
that of a horse, though is particularly strong and supports a large and heavy
skull. The thickset cow body is located closer to the ground than that of a
horse.
Cows have several stomachs that enable them to undertake a second chewing
of the grass on which they feed. A large stomach is required in any animal that
depends on a diet of grass so that they can process the cellulose in the grass.
Higher mammals are incapable of such digestion. Such a system allows more
nutrients to be extracted from a relatively poor food source.
