Key Points
- A bull is an adult male cow used for breeding purposes.
- A steer is a castrated male cow raised primarily for beef.
- An ox is a trained steer, at least four years old, used for heavy labor.
Nature is home to many interesting animals. Every animal has its own special name and features. Sometimes, we give them fun nicknames because of how they look or behave.
For example, the lion is known as the King of the Jungle. The elephant is called a gentle giant. We see these animals in books, zoos, and on farms.
But how much do you really know about common farm animals? For instance, do you know what a male cow is called?
Most people just say "cow", but that is not quite right. In this article, we will take a look at the correct name for this strong animal.
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What Is A Male Cow Called?
Source: CAES Field Report
A male cow is most commonly called a bull. However, the name for each animal can change based on its age and what it does on the farm. Here's a simple way to help you remember them:
- Bull: An adult male that is used for breeding. They are usually very large and strong.
- Steer: A steer is a male cow that has been castrated (having had its testicles removed). Steers are usually raised for beef and are calmer than bulls.
- Ox: A male (usually a steer) that has been trained as a draft animal to pull heavy loads or plough fields.
- Bullock: A term often used for a young bull or a steer.
Did You Know?
- A mature bull can weigh over 2,000 pounds. Their massive neck muscles are designed for fighting and asserting dominance.
- For a steer to be called an ox, it usually needs to be at least four years old. This is because they need time to grow large and strong enough to pull heavy loads.
- Steers are much less aggressive than bulls. Because they are calmer, they are safer for farmers to manage in large herds.
- Oxen are very intelligent. They can learn dozens of different voice commands and remember their training for many years.
- While a bull’s primary role is for breeding, and a steer is raised for food, an ox is often treated as a partner by farmers because of the hard work they do together.
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Is A Male Cow Called An Ox?
Source: Adobe Stock
A male cow is called a bull. A bull becomes an ox once it is castrated and "trained" for field work. So, an ox is a male, but not every male cow is an ox. It can be a bit confusing, so here is the simplest way to think about it:
- A Bull is a male cow used for breeding.
- A Steer is a male cow raised for meat.
- An Ox is a male cow that has a job.
An ox is usually a steer that has been trained to pull heavy loads, like a wagon or a plough. So, a male cow only becomes an "ox" once he is trained to work. If he is just hanging out in a field, he is usually called a bull or a steer.
What is a Difference B/w an Ox and a Steer?
Source: Vecteezy
Now you must know what a male cow is called. If not, then a bull is called a male cow. Now, the main confusion arises between a steer and an ox.
Both share traits such as being castrated and being much calmer than bulls. But what makes them different from each other?
There are many questions that will arise in your mind: Are a steer and an ox the same? What is that one thing that makes an ox distinguishable from a steer?
So, yes, an ox can be a steer, but not all steers are oxen. Basically, steers are those bulls that are evirated and raised primarily for beef.
An ox is a castrated steer that undergoes specialised training. Once he learns how to follow commands and pull a yoke (a wooden beam used for pulling loads), he is officially called an ox.
Conclusion
Now you know that a male cow isn't just called a "cow". Whether it is a bull, a steer, or an ox, each plays a vital role on the farm. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate these animals even more.
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