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A Closer Look at Beef Cattle

Cattle, as individuals or as a herd, possess many unique traits, the most distinctive being their social disposition. They are extremely social animals and rely heavily on "safety in numbers"—herds can form with up to 300 animals. Each animal can recognize more than 100 individuals and will closely bond to some herd members, while carefully avoiding others. While the bond between mothers and daughters is particularly strong, calves also maintain lifelong relationships with their peers

It is thought that cattle were first domesticated in 6,500 B.C. from wild cattle (aurochs) in Europe and the Near East. Only in the past two centuries have cattle been differentiated into breeds raised for beef or milk. Some cattle still exist as "dual purpose" breeds.

Some people incorrectly refer to all cattle as "cows." Cows are actually mature females who have, usually through reproduction, developed prominent hips and other adult physical characteristics. Heifers are immature females who have not yet calved or developed the mature characteristics of a cow. Male cattle can be divided into three groups: bullocks, steers and bulls. A bullock is a young, uncastrated male who has begun to display secondary sexual characteristics. A steer is a castrated male bovine, whereas a bull is a mature, uncastrated male.

Other interesting facts about cattle: