Bulls and cows live on every continent on Earth except for Antarctica. It is believed that they originated somewhere in Europe, possibly Turkey, before being domesticated, bred, and spread throughout the known world. Cattle are used for their labor, meat, milk, and leather. Bull and cow are two terms that we often hear when discussing cattle. These members of the Bos genus are frequently differentiated by the simple observation that a bull is a male, and a cow is a female. While that is a good explanation, it is also a very simple one that fails to note other important distinctions between these animals. Take a closer look at bulls vs. cows to see how they differ from one another.
Comparing a Bull vs. Cow
| Bull | Cow | |
|---|---|---|
| Sex | A mature, intact male | A mature female that has been bred |
| Size | Larger, heavier, and more muscular than cows; 1,500 pounds to over 2,500 pounds | Smaller than bulls and not as muscular but larger than heifers; 1,200 to 1,400 pounds on average |
| Purpose | Breeding; Not commonly used for meat | Breeding, milk, sometimes used for meat |
| Morphology | Most males have horns; Muscular, rounded shoulders; Large heads with prominent brow ridges | Some females have horns; Wider midsections and more angular shoulders; Cows have udders |
| Behavior | More solitary and more aggressive | More social and more docile |
The 4 Key Differences Between a Bull vs. Cow
Bulls are male bovines over one year of age that are capable of breeding.
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The key differences between a bull and a cow are their sex, size, morphology, and purpose. Take a closer look at each of these distinctions below.
Differences Related to Sex
Of course, sex is the primary distinction between bulls and cows. As we mentioned, bulls are male cattle and cows are female cattle, so they have different reproductive systems. However, the names by which we refer to these animals by are a bit more specific. Bulls are male bovines over one year of age that have intact testicles and are capable of breeding. A steer is a castrated male bovine.
Cows are mature female bovines that have been successfully bred at least once in their lives. A heifer is a young female, generally between one and two years old, that has not yet had a calf. Once she has had a calf, she is called a cow. Calves are bovines of either sex that are younger than one year old.
Sexual Dimorphism and Size in Cattle
Most bulls are larger and heavier than cows.
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Cattle are sexually dimorphic, with males of most breeds generally growing much larger than the females. As bulls are intact, they produce the hormones required to reach their peak size. So mature, male cattle are larger and heavier than cows on average. Cows are not exactly small, though. They’re larger than heifers and may be larger than steers that were castrated at a young age.
The average adult cow weighs between 1,200 and 1,400 pounds, depending on the breed. The average bull weighs 1,500 to 2,000 pounds, with some bulls exceeding 2,500 pounds. Cattle typically measure 5 to 7 feet in length and 4.5 to 5.5 feet at the shoulders, though size varies by breed and sex.
Morphological Differences
Horns are not a reliable predictor of sex, as both male and female cattle can have horns.
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There are differences in physiology other than just size. Of course, a bull will have a visible scrotum and a penis. Bulls also have larger heads with a prominent ridge over their eyes. A bull also has a thicker neck, heavier bones, and it is significantly more muscular than a cow. They appear much more compact.
Cows have more angular shoulders. They have wider midsections and hips to support calf development and give birth. Cows also have visible udders for milk production. Although some cows have horns, bulls’ horns tend to be thicker and longer. Horns typically depend on the breed, as well as an individual’s genetics. Breeds like Texas Longhorns and Scottish Highlands are naturally horned cattle, so both males and females have horns.
Purposes and Roles on the Farm
Mature cows pass on their wisdom to younger generations.
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Bulls and cows have different purposes, although they are both often raised for breeding. Bulls reach puberty around 9-12 months of age but are typically used for breeding starting at 15 to 24 months, with larger breeds sometimes taking longer to mature. They are less commonly raised for meat than steers because their meat tends to be tougher and has a stronger flavor, making it less desirable for most consumers.
Cows are raised to give birth to calves. However, they may also be used to produce milk. Cows are commonly raised for meat, especially after their productive years as dairy or breeding animals have ended. Cattle have matriarchal societies, so cows, especially the older cows, play a role in farm management by guiding the herd to resources, teaching the younger members, and maintaining social order.
Bull vs. Cow Behavior
Bulls are more aggressive and assertive than cows.
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There are also differences in behavior. Since a bull’s primary purpose is breeding, he is motivated to establish dominance to protect his access to the cows. Bulls are more aggressive and may even attempt to assert themselves with humans. They often toss their heads, paw the ground, and stand sideways to intimidate perceived rivals before attacking. Bulls are more solitary most of the time, preferring to stay on the edges of the herd except during the breeding season.
A cow is motivated to care for calves, participate in the herd’s hierarchy, and get milked if she is a dairy cow. Their focus is on day-to-day life with the herd. They prefer routine and are typically more docile and less aggressive than bulls. Cows are more social and may form close-knit, long-term associations with other cows and their calves in the herd.
