n.
Domesticated bovids that are raised for meat, milk, or hides or for draft purposes.
Depending on the breed, mature bulls (fertile males) weigh 1,0004,000 lbs (4501,800 kg); cows (fertile females) weigh 8002,400 lbs (3601,080 kg). All modern cattle are believed to belong to either of two species ( Bos indicus or B. taurus ) or to be crosses of the two. About 277 identifiable breeds include those prominent in beef production (e.g., Angus , Hereford , and shorthorn ) and dairy farming . Cattle feed primarily by grazing on pasture, but in modern farming their diet is ordinarily supplemented with prepared animal feeds . See also aurochs , Brahman , ox .