Oxen

Bos taurus

Oxen are large, stoutly built bovids. The sharp horns sprout from the sides of the skull and curve forward. The tail is long and tufted. Wild oxen live in forests and meadows, and are primarily grazers. Oxen have long been domesticated by man, and provide us with beef, leather, and milk. Specialized breeds have been developed, modern cattle are typically specialized either for meat or for dairy. Beef cattle tend to be fairly hardy and able to look after themselves. Dairy cattle are gentle creatures but need a considerable amount of care to thrive.

Bos gaurus

The gaur is a wild ox from India and Southeast Asia. It has massive humped shoulders. Otherwise, it is very similar to the wild forms of cattle.

Bos grunniens

The yak is a shaggy ox from the Himmalayas. It lives on open, desolate mountainsides. It is surefooted, easily negotiating treacherous slopes. Yaks have been domesticated for their milk, meat, wool, and as a mount or beast of burden.

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