# cow, calf, bull, cattle #

## Definition: ##

The term , "cattle" refers to a kind of large, four-legged farm animal that eats grass and is primarily raised for its meat and milk.

* The female of this kind of animal is called a "cow", the male is a "bull," and their offspring is a "calf."
* Sometimes the term "cow" is used in a general way to refer to all kinds of cattle.
* In some cultures, cattle are traded in exchange for goods. Sometimes they are used as gifts given to the parents of a young woman a man desires to marry.
* In the Bible, the Jewish people used cattle for sacrifices, especially a certain type called the red heifer.
* A "heifer" is a cow that has not yet had a baby.
* An "ox" is a special type of bull that is used for agricultural work, like pulling a plow.

(See: [How to Translate Unknowns](https://git.door43.org/Door43/en-ta-translate-vol1/src/master/content/translate_unknown.md))

(See also: [heifer](../other/heifer.md), [ox](../other/ox.md), [yoke](../other/yoke.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Kings 01:9-10](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1ki/01/09)
* [1 Samuel 01:24-25](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1sa/01/24)
* [2 Chronicles 11:13-15](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2ch/11/13)
* [Luke 13:15-16](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/13/15)
* [Matthew 22:4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/22/04)