🐄 Life of a Cow
1. Birth and Early Life (0–6 months)
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Gestation: Cows are pregnant for about 9 months (280 days).
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Calf: Usually a single calf is born, standing and walking within an hour.
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Nursing: Calves drink their mother’s milk for about 6 months.
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Early Development: Calves start eating grass and hay within a few weeks but rely on milk for nutrients.
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Bonding: Strong bond with the mother during the early months.
2. Juvenile Stage (6 months – 2 years)
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Weaning: Calves are fully weaned by 6 months.
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Growth: Rapid growth period; calves eat mainly grass, hay, and grains.
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Socialization: Young cows form groups and learn social hierarchy.
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Development: By 1–2 years, they approach adult size but are not yet mature.
3. Adulthood and Reproduction (2–8 years)
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Maturity: Female cows reach sexual maturity around 12–15 months, but typically bred at 15–18 months.
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Breeding: Once pregnant, they have a 9-month gestation cycle again.
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Milk Production: Dairy cows produce milk after calving, typically for about 10 months per lactation cycle.
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Lifespan: Dairy cows often live about 4–6 years productive life on farms; beef cows might live longer.
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Social Behavior: Cows form herds with established hierarchies and communicate through vocalizations and body language.
4. Old Age and Death
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Lifespan: Cows can live 15–20 years, but farm cows are often culled earlier for economic reasons.
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Health: Older cows may develop arthritis or dental problems.
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Death: Natural death is rare on farms; most cows are slaughtered for meat after productive years.
🌍 Habitat and Range
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Domesticated worldwide, adapted to many climates.
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Kept in farms, ranches, and open pastures.
⚠️ Threats and Challenges
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Disease (mastitis, foot rot)
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Poor nutrition or housing conditions
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Stress from handling or transport
🛡️ Care and Importance
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Cows require proper nutrition, shelter, veterinary care, and clean water.
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Vital to agriculture for milk, meat, leather, and fertilizer (manure).