Content
- What is the difference between an ox and a bull?
- Bull
- Ox
- Now that you know the difference between bull and ox, consider:
- Other livestock animals
Did you know that there are some differences between oxen and bulls? The two terms are used to designate the male of the same species. (good 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 played in a specific productive activity, such as cattle.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain in detail what is the difference between ox and bull. In addition, we will help you to better understand the meaning of other terms of "cattle", such as cow, calf, etc. Keep reading!
What is the difference between an ox and a bull?
As mentioned in the introduction, the term bull and ox are used to designate the same species, more specifically the male of the cow (good 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.
Bull
The term "bull" is used to designate the adult and fertile male of the Good taurus. It is characterized by not having been castrated, basically bulls are the breeding males that cross with fertile females to get the offspring.
Ox
The term ox is designated for the castrated adult males, who were sterilized after reaching sexual maturity. However, when should an ox be castrated? Veterinarians recommend that it be performed during the first months of life, since after 12 months the animal usually presents high levels of stress that can lead to death. These animals perform heavy work in production fields, such as the well-known and ancient function of "ox cart". Although not very common, bulls and even cows can perform the same functions.
Culturally and in popular language, many countries use the word ox to name all males of the speciesgood taurus, regardless of race, age and function.
Now that you know the difference between bull and ox, consider:
The differences between ox and bull are fundamentally based on the roles assigned to each animal, according to the productive logic of society and livestock/agricultural activity. As we mentioned, the bull is the male, adult, fertile and sexually active, which is fundamentally dedicated to reproduction. For this, it can also be used as a "breeding animal", fulfilling parenting activities of new litters. The ox is a male that has been castrated after becoming sexually active, so it is no longer capable of bearing offspring.
We remember that, for many centuries, there were no machines that could be used in agricultural production. Before, it was common to use animals with great strength and physical resistance, such as oxen and horses, to perform the heaviest tasks such as load the carts, transport production to points of commerce and exchange of groceries. Therefore, they adopted the customs of neutering the part of the cattle to control behaviors associated with sexual desire and to facilitate domestication.
Fortunately, technology is a great ally in the fight against "ox carts". Little by little, the culture and view of animals change, being seen less as "work tools" and start to be perceived as intelligent and sensitive beings who deserve to enjoy a dignified life.
Get to know the 10 types of sheepdogs in this PeritoAnimal article.
Other livestock animals
As we mentioned in the introduction, there are other terms to designate the species. good taurus, it depends on age, sex, and the role they play in the productive logic of the field. Next, let's summarize what the terms are for designating the "cattle vocabulary":
- Cow: the term cow is usually designated for adult, fertile, sexually active females who have had at least one offspring. However, in some countries this word is also used to designate any specimen of the species. good taurus, regardless of race, age, sex and reproductive status.
- Calf: this term refers to all offspring, both males and females, who are in the lactation period and have not yet completed 10 months of age.
- Kitty: kitties are young, fertile females who have not become pregnant. They are usually one or two years old.
- Calf: are young males who have been neutered before becoming sexually mature. As this meat is highly valued in the gastronomic market, these examples hardly reach adulthood.
- Calf: it is almost always assigned to young males who are still in the lactating stage and have not reached sexual maturity. This meat is also highly valued on the international market, which is why its destination is usually no different from steers.
- Freemartin: this is a new and not very popular term to designate individuals, both males and females, that are sterile and cannot have offspring throughout their lives. In general, they are trained to perform the heavy tasks of oxen in the productive fields.
Remember that some of these terms may vary by region of the country. Therefore, the PeritoAnimal team tried to summarize the main differences between ox and bull so that you can get to know and better understand this very important and emblematic species. If you know others differences between bull and ox, don't forget to leave a comment and, of course, keep following us!
