Cow
The cow is arguably the animal that is, by far, THE most important to the human race.
Having been domesticated for thousands of years, the cow has served as a primary food source for us through its meat and milk, as well it’s hide which is used to produce leather.
Cows are part of the family Bovidae - even toed hoofed animals with hollow horns whose members also include Antelope, Sheep and Goats. There are many breeds within the Cow family, and although a large animal in general, they vary greatly in size and appearance. Both males and females have horns, and females of the species produce milk from their udders. They are well equipped for grazing, and have a very complex digestive system containing four separate chambers that allows them to process many types of rough vegetation.
Cattle, the name for a group of cows, are found worldwide and at present, there are estimated to be over 1.5 billion cattle in existence. Despite the Cow’s many favorable qualities, our dependence upon them has resulted in some very negative environmental consequences, namely that of greenhouse emissions. Cows are said to be responsible for 10% of global green house emissions due to the fact their dung emits large quantities of methane gas, a key pollutant, into the atmosphere.
India, China and Brazil account for one third of the World’s Cattle population, and as a result, rank as some of the most polluted countries as well.
Having been domesticated for thousands of years, the cow has served as a primary food source for us through its meat and milk, as well it’s hide which is used to produce leather.
Cows are part of the family Bovidae - even toed hoofed animals with hollow horns whose members also include Antelope, Sheep and Goats. There are many breeds within the Cow family, and although a large animal in general, they vary greatly in size and appearance. Both males and females have horns, and females of the species produce milk from their udders. They are well equipped for grazing, and have a very complex digestive system containing four separate chambers that allows them to process many types of rough vegetation.
Cattle, the name for a group of cows, are found worldwide and at present, there are estimated to be over 1.5 billion cattle in existence. Despite the Cow’s many favorable qualities, our dependence upon them has resulted in some very negative environmental consequences, namely that of greenhouse emissions. Cows are said to be responsible for 10% of global green house emissions due to the fact their dung emits large quantities of methane gas, a key pollutant, into the atmosphere.
India, China and Brazil account for one third of the World’s Cattle population, and as a result, rank as some of the most polluted countries as well.