SUMMARY
Female cattle, commonly referred to as cows, do indeed have horns, similar to male cattle (bulls) and steers (castrated males). However, most cattle are de-horned as calves to prevent injury to farmers and other animals. Certain breeds, such as Angus and Polled Hereford, are naturally hornless, with "polled" indicating the absence of horns. This distinction is crucial for understanding cattle breeding and management practices.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of cattle breeds, specifically Angus and Polled Hereford
- Knowledge of cattle management practices, including de-horning
- Familiarity with terminology related to cattle anatomy, such as horns and polled
- Basic awareness of livestock farming and ranching operations
NEXT STEPS
- Research the genetic traits of horned vs. polled cattle breeds
- Explore the ethical considerations of de-horning practices in livestock
- Learn about the anatomy and physiology of cattle horns
- Investigate the impact of horn presence on cattle behavior and welfare
USEFUL FOR
Farmers, ranchers, veterinary professionals, and anyone interested in cattle breeding and livestock management will benefit from this discussion.