Domestic cows and bulls have already become part of our lives. Even city dwellers know what they look like, and have seen these animals in the villages grazing along the roads more than once. And who was the ancestor of domestic cows and bulls?
Indian buffalo is widely used in agriculture
Tour
The famous wild forest bull is a tour, the ancestor of domestic cattle.
Habitat
Lived in the Eastern Hemisphere:
- throughout Europe;
- North Africa;
- Asia Minor;
- In the Caucasus.
However, he was exterminated. Only in the forests Central Europe few of these bulls remain. In 1400 they were met on the territory of Belarus, Poland, Lithuania. But even there the number of animals decreased every year, in 1627 the last representative of this species died.
Appearance
What did the famous wild forest bull look like? It was an animal weighing up to 800 kg. Its height is 170-180 cm. There were horns on its head. Mature males are black, but along the back there was an ornament - a narrow white stripe. Females and young were brown, with a reddish tint. They preferred to live in the forest-steppes, but gradually moved to the forests. Eat grass, run. Gathered in herds.
Reconstruction appearance tour
Bulls are found everywhere. The famous wild American bull is the bison, which was the master of North America. Huge herds of these animals lived here. They had no natural enemies, except for wolves, and even they could not overcome an adult animal. But the first Europeans killed animals in order to local residents there was no source of food. The number of animals has dropped from 600 million to 835.
Now the number of bison has increased - up to 30 thousand. But you will no longer meet wild individuals in the USA and Canada.
Appearance
Bison is distinguished by strength and size. Its body is up to 3 m long. It is covered with gray-brown fur. It differs in its density and length. Therefore, bison do not freeze in winter. The back is decorated with a hump. The head and neck are darker. The bulls are larger, their weight is up to 1.5 thousand kg.
Habitat and food
They live in North America. They choose flat areas, but are also found in the forest. For them, the main thing is the availability of a source of food. They feed on herbaceous vegetation. In winter, they dig out their food under layers of snow. For life choose those places where dense vegetation. They live in herds: males - separately, females with calves also separately. In the herd, the head is the oldest male.
Bison - North American wild bull
European bison
Appearance
This contemporary of the mammoth is an animal whose body length reaches 3 m, and its height is up to 2 m, and its weight is up to 1 ton. There is a hump. Fur color is dark brown. Curly hairs adorn the head, chest and shoulders, front legs. The mane is striking in males, in cows and calves it is not so pronounced.
About the animal
A bison can easily overcome an obstacle of 2 m. It can swim. He has no natural enemies. They have a keen sense of smell and hearing, but poor eyesight. They eat grass and tree leaves. They live in herds. If there are two candidates for the position of the leader, the issue is resolved by a fight. The loser leaves. Bison live 30-40 years.
European bison can swim and jump high
Yak
The main decoration of animals is horns. wild bull with huge horns is a yak. This subspecies of the bull was domesticated in the first millennium. Domestic yaks are not as large as wild ones, their character is calmer, their color is different.
Appearance
The height of the yak at the withers is up to 2 m, the length is 4 m in males. Females are smaller: length up to 2.8 m, and height 1.6 m. There is a hump on the back. The horns are long, look to the sides, and then bend, their length is up to 95 cm. The wool is long and shaggy, it completely covers the legs of the bull, brown or grayish-black, but white spots are visible on the muzzle.
About the animal
The wild yak has not been studied, because this subspecies lives only where there are no people. Now they are found only in the highlands of Tibet. But there aren't many of them left. They live in herds or families, old bulls prefer loneliness. Life expectancy - 25 years. wild yaks there is very little left, because they die out in territories developed by people. They are fierce and strong animals. Tibetan chronicles speak of them as animals dangerous to humans. He, without hesitation, attacks the person who attacked him, so such a hunt is deadly. It is not easy to kill him, because. like hardy.
Wild yak carefully avoids people
The largest wild forest bull is the gaur. This is also a rare animal. They live in India, there are 30 thousand gaurs, in other countries there are fewer of them - only a few hundred.
Appearance
Most big bull impresses with its size. Its height at the withers is 1.7 - 2.2 m, and its weight is 700-1000 kg, but there are individuals that weigh 1.3 -1.5 tons. Females are slightly smaller. The horns are also huge, up to 90 cm, shaped like a crescent.
A ridge stands out on the back, which stretches from the shoulders to the middle of the body.
The skin is dark brown, covered with short hair. Older males are black. Top part slightly lighter heads.
About the animal
They are active during the day, but where there are many people, they prefer to stay awake at night. Females and calves live in herds, while males live alone. They feed on grass, plant shoots and fruits. In the heat, they prefer to hide in the shade of trees. Live up to 30 years. natural enemies are tigers and crocodiles.
Gaur can weigh up to one and a half tons
buffaloes
These are also strong and courageous large bulls. There are 4 types of buffalo:
- African.
- Indian.
- Dwarf (anoa).
- Tamarau.
Most large subspecies among the buffaloes. Its weight can reach 1200 kg, but this is rare. The height is relatively small - 1.5-1.6 m. Some subspecies are much smaller than these sizes. Males are always larger than females. Fur color is black. They have poor eyesight and rely on their sense of smell.
The African buffalo does not see well, therefore it focuses on the scent
The length of adults is more than 3 m, and the height reaches 2 m. The average weight is about 900 kg, but sometimes more. The length of the horns reaches up to 2 m, they are directed backwards and look like a crescent. Now there are not so many representatives of this species left, because. humans are destroying their environment. These wild bulls eat grass in the early morning or evening. During the day they prefer to hide from the heat, immersed in liquid mud.
They live in herds, but old bulls prefer loneliness.
Tamarau
This is an animal from the genus of Indian buffalo, which differs from them in its small stature and the shape of the horns. Its height is 106 cm, body length is 220 cm, it weighs from 180 to 300 kg. The color of the skin is black or dark brown, a dark line is visible on the back. This is an endangered species, therefore it is protected by law. In captivity, they do not breed, so the number of animals is rapidly falling every year. The main threat is the lack of habitats for these animals. These are solitary animals, females and calves live in groups that persist throughout the year.
Tamarau - Philippine buffalo
Anoa
The smallest bull is the anoa. The length of his body is only 160 cm, and the height is 80 cm. Males weigh 300 kg, females are 2 times less. They are hairless, the skin is colored brown or black. Under threat of extinction. This animal is protected by law, but poachers shoot them in order to sell them to tourists. Therefore, the population has decreased by 90% (from 1079 to 1994).
Cattle have been one of the main sources of human livelihood since ancient times, thanks to their nutritious meat and milk. Animal skins were used to make clothes and dwellings. After many centuries, agriculture continues to flourish, of course, something has changed, technology has come to help people, and farmers are breeding new breeds of bulls.
Reference. AT modern world there are more than one thousand varieties, among which 300 are used everywhere for human needs, of which 70 are in the CIS.
Characteristics and types of rocks
Nowadays, the types of these animals are divided into three types:
- Dairy- individuals that are bred for the production of dairy products. Due to their lean physique, the use for beef production becomes unprofitable, but they are distinguished by a calm character and balanced behavior.
- Meat breeds of bulls are distinguished by large dimensions compared to the previous representatives. The rapid increase in muscle mass provides a large number of meat and its high quality.
- Combined, that is, universal breeds, are characterized by the fact that they combine the quality of both directions.
Limousinskaya
This variety has a large supply of meat, therefore it is used for slaughter. It was bred in France thanks to a long selection during the XVIII-XIX centuries. Its representatives appeared on the territory of the USSR in the middle of the last century. Now they are used to extract new breed by selection with more dairy individuals. In Russia, the number of cattle of this breed is relatively small, only 1.8% of the total livestock.
The structural features of the body of Limousin bulls include:
- strong legs;
- massive muscles;
- small head and wide forehead;
- broad chest and rounded massive ribs.
Appearance is distinguished by red-brown colors of the suit and light shades horns and hooves. The mass of females is about 600 kg, and bulls reach 1100 kg. Approximately 1700 kg of milk with a fat content of 5% is produced per year. Cows are very picky about the conditions of detention, able to tolerate very coldy and calve easily.
Simmental
The Simmental cow belongs to the combined breeds of cattle. It was brought to us from Switzerland about 200 years ago. Their muscles are developed, the weight reaches 1100 kg, and the bull grows up to 145 cm at the withers. The coloration is usually pale yellow, sometimes with white spots. The annual milk yield of one individual is approximately 4500 kg. They are also often crossed with other dairy species to increase milk production and quality.
A Simmental cow is ready to bear offspring for 31 months and calve every year. Calving is easy, which, if necessary, makes it possible to take birth right in the middle of the field. Calves are also not picky about food, they can for a long time feed on milk, which allows you not to worry about their food. Representatives of this breed can gain a kilogram per day. In addition, they adapt very well to weather conditions.
Holstein
Most common among breeders of large cattle. The size of an adult bull can be compared with individuals that are grown for slaughter - 1200 kg with a height at the withers of 160 cm, and the annual milk yield exceeds most other breeds - 7500 kg. The black-and-white color is the external distinguishing feature of these cows. They are characterized by a deep chest, a wedge-shaped body, a large udder.
It was bred by North American farmers, and their ancestors were from Western European countries - Germany, Belgium, etc. The variety was brought to the United States in mid-nineteenth century, and immediately began breeding work to improve the productivity of animals.
The performance of cows depends on many factors, such as feed and weather. AT different parts In the world, the average annual milk yield of Gelstein cows ranges from 7.5 to 10 tons of milk. Also, the percentage of fat content varies, the highest rate is given by individuals with red-and-white coloring - almost 4%, but the amount of milk they produce is much less.
Santa Gertrude
Received the name in honor of the farm on which it was bred by selection. It belongs to the meat type of cattle. The mass of cows is from 560 kg to 600 kg, while bulls weigh from 830 to 1000 kg. The breed was bred for farms in the steppe regions, so in Russia it is most often found in the southern regions. The color of the suit is most often burgundy-red.
The subspecies of the wild zebu bull and the Shorthorn breed of cows were taken as the basis for the selection. The breeding work lasted 30 years, and as a result, scientists managed to get 150 calves that passed on their genotype to descendants that have survived to this day.
Features of the Santa Gertrude breed: meat of the highest grade, while the milk produced is enough to feed the calves. Animals are perfectly adapted to hot weather, but at the same time they are not susceptible to insects that live in such a climate.
Charolais
It is one of the most massive breeds. It was brought out by French farmers in the 18th century, and brought to Russia relatively recently. Its coloration is most often white without spots. Has a strong and harmonious physique.
An adult bull reaches a mass of 1400 kg, and a cow - 1100 kg. Relative to the body, the head is small. Also, this breed is characterized by a wide chest and a straight back. With a large mass, the proportion of bones in it is only 20%, and taste and culinary qualities meat on highest level. Refers to the meat type of livestock. The annual milk yield is quite small, but allows you to feed growing calves.
Charolais cows can be used for about 15 years, but they are very picky about climate and nutrition. At low temperatures suffer from frostbite. In addition, calving is quite difficult, often resorting to caesarean section.
Belgian blue
This is an amazing breed of bulls. Her brood has a very favorable meat-to-bone ratio. Thanks to long selection and genetic experiments, scientists managed to remove the gene that inhibits muscle gain. Unfortunately, representatives of this species are not bred in Russia.
Individuals do not differ tall, on average 150 cm. The suit is often white and blue color, but black individuals are also common. The muscles of the neck, lower back, shoulders and legs are strongly developed. The temperament is very quiet and calm. The live weight of an individual reaches an average of 1250 kg. Good average annual milk yield, approximately 3000 l.
But large mass there are some disadvantages, one of them is that natural calving is almost impossible. In most cases, a caesarean section is used. The female is ready to produce the first offspring at 28 months. Pregnancy proceeds quite quickly - 285 days.
Shorthorn
One of the oldest breeds of beef cattle is the Shorthorn. It got its name from its short horns. Just like the previous one, it is a meat genus of cattle. It was bred in England in the 18th century by crossing foreign types of cattle. A century later, it was brought to the territory of Russia.
Peculiarities:
- suit of different shades of red, from light red to burgundy;
- the animal has a loose physique and delicate constitution;
- well-developed muscles and a large, barrel-shaped body;
- the height at the withers reaches 130 cm, which is a rather modest indicator;
- whimsical to climatic conditions and feed.
Average weight an adult bull is 800 kg, and females - 600 kg. It has rather tender meat, which is commonly called “marble”, in addition, the percentage of the meat product in the carcass is more than 80%.
This species is bred almost all over the world, including regions of Russia, such as Orenburg, Rostov, Tyumen and others. Now the number of representatives is decreasing faster and faster, due to a small natural increase.
Hereford
The most common among meat breeds. Animals of this species live in Australia, Africa, America and many other parts of the world. Originally from the UK, where it was bred in the 18th century.
They are very unpretentious in conditions of detention and are able to withstand long hauls, which allows them to be bred in the conditions of the steppe, and thanks to their strong physique, they adapt perfectly to any climate.
They have a rather rough constitution: short neck, imperceptibly flowing into the body, large head, long, low body, short legs.
Growth adult exceeds 130 cm and weighs about 1000 kg, maximum 1500 kg. Wide chest girth up to 215 cm. Gives very little milk, only 300 liters per year. Its meat is valued for its excellent taste and is ideal for cooking steaks.
It calves easily, and newborns with good feeding grow quickly. Weight gain per day is about 1000 g.
Aberdeen Angus
Another breed whose meat taste is highly valued comes from Scotland. Her ancestors were rootless cattle, they were used for the needs Agriculture. Through a long selection in 1775, she found her name. Due to the precocity of cattle, it quickly took root in Australia and the CIS. In addition, when crossing, the offspring were endowed with all the positive qualities of the ancestor.
Animals are distinguished by black color and small growth - 120 cm at the withers. They have:
- large neck and small head;
- powerful chest;
- muscular body of a rounded shape;
- straight back.
For maximum precocity, it is recommended to feed high quality and a lot. For six months, the calf eats up to 180 kg of live weight. They can add a kilogram per day, the weight of an adult bull reaches 1000 kg. Thin bones determine the high slaughter yield - 83%. Cow gives about 1700 kg of milk per year.
Kalmyk
This ancient breed of cattle comes from Asia. Distributed, as the name suggests, in the steppe area, including many regions of Russia. Belongs to the meat category of cattle. Perfectly adapted to constant hauling, as their ancestors served the nomadic peoples of Mongolia.
Individuals of this species:
- have a strong constitution;
- color color from burgundy to light red;
- have a massive neck and small head;
- have horns white color;
- they have developed muscles, a massive chest.
On average, the growth of an individual is rather small - 130 cm. Straight, strong back and voluminous lower back.
The weight of a live cow is 420-480 kg, and that of a bull is up to 950 kg. Milk yield per year up to 1500 kg of milk with a fat content of up to 4.4%. The content of muscle mass in the carcass is 70%, fat is 10%.
Kalmyk cattle are unpretentious in terms of weather and feeding, gaining weight very quickly during the pasture season. Easy reproduction. Marble meat, characteristic of this breed, is valued all over the world.
Kazakh
The variety was bred as a result of crossing the Hereford with local cattle, thanks to which it was possible to combine positive traits both breeds. They tolerate any weather well and are unpretentious to feed, while their meat has excellent taste.
Suit color: various shades of red, but some parts of the body are white. Well developed muscles are distinguishing feature beef cattle. The dewlap strongly stands out, the body is rounded. Bulls grow 130 cm, and their chest girth is 190 cm.
The live weight of bulls is up to 950 kg, cows - up to 800 kg. Milk yield per year does not exceed 1500 liters of milk, the fat content of which is 3.8%. Very high fertility of the breed. The average yield of slaughtered animals is approximately 55%.
Conclusion
Various types of livestock are distributed throughout the world, thanks to which such a variety of bull breeds has appeared. At the same time, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should seriously consider the choice of certain cattle for your farm.
Mighty animal wild bull is an ornament wildlife. Let's find out what species exist in nature, how they differ and how they look.
One of the largest herbivores in North America. The height of the body of the animal reaches 2 meters, and the length - up to 2.5 or even 3 meters. The front part of the bison's body is massive, clearly expressed, while the back part is much weaker, and there is less muscle mass on it. The chest, head and part of the back of the North American animal are covered with wool, often matted.
All bison are horned, but the horns are expressed in different ways. The animals have a short tail with a tassel at the end, the color is mostly brown, black, but there are also white, gray individuals. There are steppe and forest bison. The steppe wild bull is usually smaller than the forest bull at the same age, has more wool, the horns are hidden by bangs. Lesnoy is a direct descendant of Bison priscus, the primitive bison.
The wild North American bull loves spacious pastures, semi-desert plains and well-lit areas, forest glades. The mass of an adult male is more than a ton, females weigh much less. Within the species, zoologists distinguish another variety, the closest relative of the bison - the bison. Bison and bison interbreed among themselves, and their offspring - bison are used by populations different countries to work in the fields. For example, in India or Africa, fields are plowed with their help.
European bison
Another member of the wild bull family. It is very similar to the bison, but the head is more pronounced and has a smaller size. The European bison is the most large mammal throughout Europe. He is also the last representative of the genus of wild ancestors on the European mainland. The animal has a brown coat color, powerful body(the shape is closer to a square), an elongated row of wool along the spine from the withers and a short tail.
Bison are divided into Bialowieza and Caucasian. The Caucasian had a curly and thicker coat than the Bialowieza. Unfortunately, it was finally exterminated in 1927. Its Belovezhsky relative currently lives in European reserves and is protected International Union Nature Protection.
forest bull
The wild forest (forest tour) or Bos taurus primigenius lived in the steppe and forest-steppe regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. The closest relatives of their forest ancestor are now Ukrainian livestock. The forest tur died out as a result of active hunting and deforestation by man. The death of the last representative of this species occurred in 1627. Outwardly, the animal looked massive, its weight reached a ton, its height was 180 cm. The color of the males was black with a white stripe along the back, and the females were brown with a red tint.
They lived in forest tours in small groups or singly, only for the winter uniting in larger herds. Nowadays, scientists from the Ostwardersplasse reserve (Netherlands) introduced the Heck bull, which looks like a wild forest bull. Thanks to the efforts of zoologists-breeders, today we can see what the forest tour looked like in life.
Indian bull (Zebu)
It lives on the lands of India in the tropical and subtropical latitudes of the continent. Zebu belongs to an independent subspecies, not connected in any way with the tour. In India, these bulls are used for economic needs- they perform the function of transport (harness in carts), assistants to farmers (plow the fields). Not only in India, zebu is held in high esteem, they are especially respected in Madagascar. There, the wild Indian bull is considered sacred.
In some regions of India, zebu are crossed with domestic cows, resulting in hardy hybrids that produce milk and have more strength than an ordinary cow. The average weight of such an animal is 600-800 kg, the surface of the body is smooth, there is a characteristic “hump” at the withers and a chest fold. Not only in India there are zebu, they are willingly kept by large zoos and reserves (for example, the zoo in Baku).
Gaur
It is considered the largest wild bull in the world. Gauras are peaceful but very imposing creatures. It reaches a height of 3 meters, weight - more than 1600 kg. In some sources, the gaur is called the Asiatic or Indian bison. The color is dark brown, the legs are light, smooth, short and shiny coat, neat, but big horns located perpendicular to the ground. AT natural environment gaurs form herds, keep independently and fearlessly, since even tigers attack these animals extremely rarely.
The domesticated form of the gaura is the gayal (or mitun). In the same India, these animals are very popular. They differ from the gaur only in their smaller size and larger horns of an altered shape. Guyals can often be found walking freely on Indian streets or harnessed to a cart.
Video "American bison - the history of the species"
An interesting story from National Geographic about the life of bison in the wild, about the enemies of these wild bulls and how these heavyweights survive in nature.
The biggest wild bull in the world November 2nd, 2013
As a rule, herbivorous megafauna is presented as a group consisting of elephants, rhinos and giraffes. However, one of the most specific representatives of the megafauna is the Indian bull. Standing under 3 meters (10 feet), the gaur is truly a gigantic animal, and the largest wild cow in the world. This massive creature with truly huge horns can burst through the forests and fields of India, while sometimes destroying gardens.
This species is critically endangered, although it survives most threats and weighs up to 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Among the megafauna that can smash their way through tropical vegetation, only elephants, rhinos or giraffes can be bigger and taller. The gaur is more docile than the African buffalo, but there are occasional human casualties. There was a case when a tiger attacked a gaura. Gaur literally tore the tiger in half.
Let's find out more about them...
Few wild bulls can compare with the gaur in beauty, strength and size. This is perhaps the largest bull in the world, and therefore the most major representative bovid families, both today and in prehistoric times. The 68 cm long gaur skull is larger than any giant bison skull. It is not only the largest and strongest, but also the most beautiful of the bulls.
Gaura is sometimes called the Asian bison, and indeed, in his build, he is a bit like his own. American relative. Gaura is distinguished from other bulls by a very powerful physique, relief muscles and an impressive appearance.
If the appearance of an African buffalo can symbolize indomitable power, then the gaur personifies calm confidence and strength. The height at the withers of old males reaches 213 cm, weight -800-1000 kg. Thick and massive horns from the base are bent somewhat down and back, and then up and slightly inward. Their length in males reaches 100-115 spruce, and the distance between the ends is 120 cm. The forehead is wide, flat. Gaura females are much smaller, their horns are shorter and thinner. hairline dense, short, adjacent to the body, the color is brilliant black, less often dark brown, there are white “stockings” on the legs of the animals. Although the range of the gaur covers a vast territory, including India, Nepal, Burma, Assam and the peninsulas of Indochina and Malacca, the number of this bull is small. In fact, it survived only in national parks and reserves. Not only hunters are to blame for this, but also frequent epizootics of foot-and-mouth disease, plague and other diseases.
Truth, strict ban hunting throughout the territory and vigorous quarantine supervision seem to have marked a certain turning point in the position of the gaur, and its numbers in last years increased somewhat. Gaur inhabits woodlands, preferring mountain forests up to 2000 m above sea level. However, he avoids solid forests with dense undergrowth and keeps in lighted areas near glades. However, gaura can also be found in the bamboo jungle, as well as on grassy plains with shrubs. He strongly avoids cultivated lands. Gaura's favorite food is fresh grass, young bamboo sprouts, shrub shoots. He needs regular watering and bathing, but, unlike buffaloes, he does not take mud baths. Gauras graze early in the morning and before sunset, and sleep at night and at noon. Gauras are kept in small groups, which usually include 1-2 adult bulls, 2-3 young bulls, 5-10 cows with calves and teenagers. Along with this, groups consisting only of young bulls are not uncommon. Adult strong males often leave the herd and lead the life of hermits.
In the herd of gaurs, a certain order is always observed. Calves usually keep together, and the whole " Kindergarten"is under the vigilant protection of mothers. The leader of the herd is more often an old cow, which, when the herd runs away, is in the head or, conversely, in the rearguard. Old bulls, as observations have shown, do not participate in the defense and do not even respond to the alarm signal, which sounds like a shrill snort. Hearing such a snort, the rest of the herd members freeze, raising their heads, and if the source of the alarm is established, the nearest animal emits a rumbling moo, according to which the herd assumes battle order. The gaur's method of attack is exceptionally interesting. Unlike other bulls, he attacks not with his forehead, but sideways, and lowers his head low and crouches somewhat on his hind legs, striking with one horn to the side. It is noticed that in old bulls one of the horns is noticeably more worn than the other. Zoologist J. Schaller believes that this style of attack developed from the usual posture of imposing and menacing for gaurs, when the animal demonstrates its huge silhouette in the most impressive foreshortening.
By the way, gaur fights, as a rule, do not go beyond demonstrations. The rutting period of the Gaurs begins in November and ends in March - April. Single males at this time join the herds, and fights are not uncommon between them. The peculiar invocative roar of the gaura during the rut is similar to the roar of stag deer and can be heard in the evening or at night at a distance of more than one and a half kilometers. Pregnancy lasts 270-280 days, calving occurs more often in August - September. At the time of calving, the cow is removed from the herd and in the first days is extremely cautious and aggressive. Usually she brings one calf, rarely twins. The lactation period ends at the ninth month of the calf's life. Gaurs willingly unite in herds with sambars and other ungulates.
They are almost not afraid of tigers, although tigers occasionally attack young animals. The special friendship of gaurs with wild chickens is described by the zoologist Olivier, who in 1955 managed to observe how a young rooster daily cleaned the festering, damaged horns of a female gaur for two weeks for two weeks. Despite the pain of this operation, the cow, at the sight of a rooster, laid her head on the ground and turned the horn towards the "nurse". Gayal is nothing but a domesticated gaur. But as a result of domestication, the gayal has changed a lot: it is much smaller, lighter and weaker than the gaur, its muzzle is shorter, the forehead is wider, the horns are relatively short, very thick, straight, conical. Guyale is more phlegmatic and calmer than gaur. At the same time, gayals are not kept in the same way as domestic cows in Europe.
They always graze on complete freedom, and when you need to catch a gayal, they lure him with a piece of rock salt or tie a cow in the forest. Gayal is used for meat, in some places it is used as a draft force, and among some peoples of South Asia it serves as a kind of money or is used as a sacrificial animal. Gayala cows often mate with wild gaurs.
The ancestor of the domesticated cow is the wild bull tour, which, according to scientists, existed on the planet more than 7,000 years ago. This type of livestock began to actively spread in the household during the early Neolithic, following sheep, pigs and goats. Later people began to breed other types of cattle. Initially, only the meat of wild cows and bulls was valued, but as agriculture developed, people began to use cattle as a draft force.
Description of the first ancestor of the modern cow
The first domesticated tours were incredibly hardy and productive. They had very long and massive horns.
Initially, a wild bull with huge horns served as a carrier of oversized cargo between the countries of Europe, Africa, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. The appearance of the wild ancestor of cattle had the following data:
- a muscular animal reached a mass of 800 kg;
- height could vary from 170 to 180 cm;
- males had a characteristic black coloration with a narrow strip of white tint along the back;
- calves and adult females had a brown coat color with a reddish tint.
The diet of ancient aurochs consisted of shoots, leaves of shrubs and trees, as well as a variety of forest grass. Animals preferred to gather in small groups or live alone, and only in winter could gather in herds.
The last tour died in 1627.
North American bison
AT North America home to the largest herbivorous species of wild cattle - the North American bison. This animal reaches a height of 2 m and a length of 3 m.
The anterior part of the body is most massively expressed, while the posterior part is characterized by a poorly developed muscle mass. The head and part of the back of the animal are framed with felted wool. Bison have large horns, which are developed in each individual in their own way. Most often, the bison is characterized by a black color, but brown, gray or white representatives can be found.
North American bison are divided into steppe and forest bison. Steppe wild bulls are much smaller than forest bulls, have a thicker coat and horns covered with bangs.
North American individuals love space, so they choose forest plains and glades for existence, which transmit light as much as possible. Adult bison weigh over a ton. Female individuals, although they have massive dimensions, do not reach such a weight.
European bison
This type of cattle is difficult to distinguish from North American representatives, but, looking closely, you can see the characteristic key points their looks. The European bison is endowed with a well-defined head against the background of the body and a square figure with a brownish color.
The body length of the bison reaches 3 m, height - 2 m. The animal has a dark brown coat color. Male individuals are distinguished by a pronounced mane.
The European bison is endowed with excellent hearing and scent, swims and jumps excellently. Its life span is 30 to 40 years.
In ancient times, in the meadows and pastures one could observe the Caucasian subspecies of European cattle, which was distinguished by a pronounced curly and thick coat.
Today, European reserves contain Bialowieza individuals, which are the only descendants of the ancient European bison. In nature, this subspecies is protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Yak - a wild bull with massive horns
This subspecies of cattle is difficult to study, as it prefers to live away from people. To date, yaks can only be found in highland Tibet, but there are very few of them left here. They prefer to stay in close-knit groups or settle in small families. Old individuals choose single image life.
The fierce and strong yak has a long and shaggy coat that completely covers its legs. Animals may have different color, but more often brown or black with a grayish tint individuals with white markings on the head.
chief hallmark This type of cattle is a characteristic hump on the back.
Male wild bulls reach 2 m in height and 4 m in length. Female individuals have a length of 2.8 m, their height does not exceed 1.6 m. The horns of both sexes are very long (reach up to 95 cm). From the base of growth they are directed to opposite sides, as they elongate, they smoothly bend and become cup-shaped. A yak can live 25 years.
Tamarau and Anoa
Tamarau belongs to the genus of Asian buffaloes. Endowed with small stature and short horns. In height, the animal reaches 106 cm, in length - 220 cm, while its weight can range from 180 to 300 kg. Color black to dark brown.
The tamarau is an endangered species of buffalo. In captivity, these animals cannot breed, so their numbers are noticeably reduced. They prefer a solitary lifestyle in forest areas, but cows and calves live together until the latter reach independence. Tamarau are under the strictest protection.
The anoa bull is considered the smallest representative of cattle. The weight of a male individual does not exceed 300 kg, female - 150 kg. The length of the body is not more than 160 cm, in height - 80 cm. These are hairless animals with a dark skin of brown or black color. Just like the tamarau, the anoa are endangered and protected by law. From 1079 to 1994, the Anoa population decreased by 90%.
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