Did you know there are differences between oxen and bulls? Both terms are used to refer to the male of the same species (Bos taurus), but refer to different individuals, this difference in nomenclature is not due to the breed or species of the animal, but to the role it plays in a specific productive activity, such as livestock.
In this Animal Expert article we will explain in detail what the difference is between beef and bull, and we will also help you better understand the meaning of other “cattle” terms such as cows, calves, etc. Keep reading!
- As mentioned in the introduction.
- The terms bull and ox are used to refer to the same species.
- Specifically the cow male (Bos taurus).
- However.
- These terms do not refer to the same type of individual.
- To better understand the differences between bull and ox.
- It is important to understand the meaning of each of these words.
The term “bull” is used to refer to the adult and fertile male of bos taurus.Characterized by the fact that it has not been castrated, the bulls are essentially breeding males that intersect with fertile females to obtain offspring.
The term beef is designed for sterilized adult males, which have been sterilized after reaching sexual maturity, but when should an ox be neutered?Veterinarians recommend that it be carried out during the first months of life, since from 12 months the animal usually presents high levels of stress that can lead to death, these animals perform heavy tasks in the production fields, such as the known and ancestral function of “ox cart”.Although rare, bulls and even cows can perform the same functions.
Culturally and in popular language, many countries use the word beef to name all males of the Bos taurus species, regardless of race, age and function.
The differences between cattle and the bull are mainly based on the roles assigned to each animal, according to the productive logic of society and livestock/agricultural activity.As we mention, the bull is the male, adult, fertile and sexually active, which is basically dedicated to reproduction.To do this, it can also be used as a “breeding animal”, complying with the breeding activities of the new litters.Beef is a male that has been castrated after its sexual activity, so it is no longer able to produce offspring.
We recall that for many centuries no machine could be used in agricultural production, it was previously common to use animals of great physical strength and resistance, such as oxen and horses, to perform heavier tasks such as loading carts, transporting production to trade.points and exchange of groceries, so they have adopted the habit of neutering the part of livestock to control the behaviors associated with sexual desire and facilitate domestication.
Fortunately, technology is a great ally in the fight against “ox carts”.Gradually, the culture and the way we look at animals is changing, becoming less and less perceived as “tools of work” and beginning to be seen as intelligent and sensitive beings who deserve to live a dignified life.
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As we move forward with the introduction, there are other terms for the species Bos taurus, depending on the age, gender and role they play in the productive logic of the field.Next, let’s summarize the terms for the “cattle vocabulary”:
It should be remembered that some of these terms may vary by region of the country.Therefore, the Team of Animal Expert has tried to summarize the main differences between bull and bull so that you can better know and understand this important and iconic species.If you know any other difference between bull and ox, be sure to leave a comment and, of course, keep following us!
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Curiosities section of the animal world.