Cattle (Bos taurus) are large, domesticated, bovid ungulates widely kept as livestock. They are prominent modern members of the subfamily Bovinae and the most widespread species of the genus Bos. Taurine cattle are widely distributed across Europe and temperate areas of Asia, the Americas, and Australia.

Understanding the Context

Cattle are domesticated bovine farm animals that are raised for their meat, milk, or hides or for draft purposes. The animals most often included under the term are the Western or European domesticated cattle as well as the Indian and African domesticated cattle. So let’s walk through 25 of the most common cattle breeds you’ll see across the USA—each with its own look, personality, and purpose. Bos taurus (or Bos taurus taurus), typically referred to as "taurine" cattle, are generally adapted to cooler climates and include almost all cattle breeds originating from Europe and northern Asia.

Key Insights

To date, more than 1,000 breeds of cattle have been catalogued around the world. 12 Each country has its own distinctive, indigenous breeds. 13. Typically cattle are divided into two main categories: beef cattle and dairy cattle. Beef breeds are raised for their meat, and dairy breeds are raised to produce milk.

Final Thoughts

CATTLE definition: 1. a group of animals that includes cows, buffalo, and bison, that are often kept for their milk or…. Learn more. Learn what cattle are, the main types of cattle, common beef and dairy breeds, and how cattle are used in modern livestock farming. Scientific Classification Domestic cattle are large, domesticated bovines widely kept for milk, meat, hides, and draft work. In common English, “cow” often refers to cattle generally, though strictly it denotes an adult female.