The Evolution of Cattle
The cattle population:
Worldwide = 1.3 billion head
US = 100 million head
Cattle are the second most common domesticated animal in the world.
There are over 800 recognized cattle breeds in the world.
Interesting Facts About Cows
Cow
A mature female animal over two years old that has produced a calf.
Heifer
A young, female animal that has not produced a calf.
Bull/Sire
A mature male animal used for breeding.
Steer
A young, castrated male animal that cannot reproduce and is used mainly in beef production.
Yearling
A young animal, male or female, that is approximately one year old.
Calf
A young animal, male or female, that is less than one year old.
Cattle Terminology
Why do we need cows?
Animal agriculture is a very important aspect of economics and human culture. As the human population continues to increase, continued and increased cattle operations are necessary to provide several resources for human health and survival.
When asked about the resources cattle provide to humans, most people think of the obvious items: milk and meat. Although cattle producers select for traits that maximize the production of these specific resources, there are hundreds of byproducts as well. Each year, beef cattle operations produce over 25 million pounds of meat. In these operations, over 98% of the beef cow is effectively used to produce resources, where 45% is meat and 53% is byproducts.
Cattle Resource Examples
Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt
Chewing gum, candies, gummy bears, marshmellows
Belts, hats, wallets, footballs, felt, bags
Oils, ointments, lubricants
Buttons, glues, fertilizer
Cattle Industries and Markets
Beef Operations
All Natural
Organic
Cow - Calf Pairing
Pasture Finished
Feedlots
Dairy Operations
Commercial
Free-range
Draught Operations
How do we get these resources?
Throughout history, cattle production was considered to be relatively low and consisted of mainly subsistence farming. After the Industrial Revolution and advancements in animal husbandry, producers have created and molded specialized cattle breeds for the production of meat and dairy resources. By doing so, ranchers have essentially taken wild animals and made them more beneficial to humans.