Domestic cow (Bos taurus)

Figure 1: Domestic cow

Description:
There are many breeds of cattle. Cows are large and stocky, although the breeds differ in color, shape, size, presence of horns, and hair length.

Behavior:
Cows live in herds with a structured, social hierarchy.

Diet:
Cows are grazing herbivores. They eat grass, stems, and other plant material.

Habitat:
Domestic cattle live in varied habitats. They can live anywhere with enough grass, stems, or other plant material to support their grazing.

Animals that look similar:
In research camera photos, cows may look similar to other livestock such as yaks or the related zomo (a cow-yak hybrid).

References

Ng, J. 2001. “Bos taurus” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed July 26, 2012 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Bos_taurus.html