Have a Cow, Man! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Methane

The main byproduct of cattle digestion, that significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, is methane. This potent greenhouse gas is produced primarily in the rumen, the first and largest compartment of a cow's four-chambered stomach. Microbes within the rumen break down complex carbohydrates in the plant matter the cattle consume. As a natural part of this digestive process, methane is released.

Methane is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, though it has a shorter atmospheric lifespan. While carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for centuries, methane is more efficient at trapping heat. Therefore, emissions from livestock, particularly cattle, represent a substantial component of global anthropogenic methane emissions, contributing significantly to climate change and warming effects. Also, don't stand downwind, because cow farts are s-t-i-n-k-y!

Answer: Awassi

While Awassi happens to be a breed of sheep, all of the other three are breeds of cattle!

The Kankrej is a prominent dual-purpose cattle breed originating from Gujarat and Rajasthan, India. They are highly valued for their strength and speed as draft animals, capable of working in challenging, semi-arid conditions. Kankrej cows also provide a moderate milk yield, known for its good quality. This hardy, adaptable breed is distinguished by its large size and lyre-shaped horns.

The Meuse-Rhine-Yssel (MRY) is a dual-purpose cattle breed from the Netherlands, named after the rivers in its region of origin. Historically used for both milk and meat, recent breeding has emphasized dairy production, with cows known for high protein milk and good longevity. MRY cattle are appreciated for their docile temperament, hardiness, and ability to thrive on rough pastures.

The Romosinuano is a polled (naturally hornless) beef cattle breed native to the Sinú River valley in Colombia. Developed from Spanish Criollo cattle, they are highly valued for their exceptional adaptation to hot, subtropical climates and their docile temperament. Romosinuano cattle are also known for good fertility and have been used in cross-breeding programs to improve beef production in tropical regions.

Answer: False

A cow's horns are permanent, unbranched outgrowths made of a bony core covered by a layer of keratin, similar to human fingernails. They attach to the frontal bone of the skull and continue to grow throughout the animal's life. Horns are used for defense, foraging, and social hierarchy.

Many traditional breeds possess horns, such as the Texas longhorn, Highland cattle, and Ankole-Watusi, known for their impressive horn spans. Conversely, some breeds are naturally 'polled', meaning they are genetically hornless. Examples include Aberdeen Angus and red poll cattle, a trait often selectively bred for safety and ease of management in modern farming.

Answer: The Netherlands

The Holstein-Friesian, often simply called Holstein, is the most widespread dairy cattle breed globally, originating from the provinces of North Holland and Friesland in the Netherlands. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and white (or sometimes red and white) spotted markings and large size. Holsteins are prized by dairy farmers worldwide for their exceptional milk-producing capabilities and adaptability to various climates and management systems.

Their value lies in their unparalleled milk yield, making them the backbone of many commercial dairy operations around the world. While primarily known for milk, they also contribute to the beef industry, particularly through male calves. The breed's development over centuries has focused on maximizing efficiency in converting feed into high volumes of milk through preferential breeding and genetic analysis.

Answer: Bovine Viral Diarrhea

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) can be a significant cause of death for cattle, particularly in specific scenarios or with certain strains of the virus. While not every infected animal will die, BVD is considered one of the most economically damaging and serious diseases in cattle worldwide.

Mortality rates can be high, especially in cases of acute severe BVD, where animals may exhibit symptoms like profuse bloody diarrhea, high fever, and mouth ulcers, leading to rapid death. Furthermore, BVD causes immunosuppression, making affected cattle much more susceptible to other serious infections like pneumonia (Bovine Respiratory Disease, or BRD), which can then be fatal.

Answer: Texas

The Texas longhorn is an iconic beef cattle breed known for its distinctive, exceptionally long horns. Descended from the first cattle brought to the Americas by Spanish colonists, they evolved through natural selection on the open ranges of Texas. Up to this day, the horns of this famous cow adorn many a Texas car. It's also the name of the University of Texas at Austin's sports teams.

This hardy breed is renowned for its adaptability, disease resistance, calving ease, and ability to thrive on sparse forage. Symbolizing the American Old West, longhorns are valued for conservation, their lean beef, and their unique appearance.

Answer: Guernsey

The Guernsey cow is a medium-sized dairy breed originating from the Isle of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Renowned for producing high-quality milk, it is often called the "Golden Guernsey" due to its distinctive golden-yellow tint, attributed to high levels of beta-carotene and butterfat. Guernsey milk is also rich in protein and typically easier to digest for some individuals. Guernseys are a popular choice for both commercial dairies and smaller homesteads seeking rich, flavourful milk.

Saanen, if you were wondering, is a dairy goat.

Answer: Rumination

The proper term for a cow chewing its cud is rumination. This fascinating process involves the cow regurgitating partially digested food (the cud) from its rumen back into its mouth. It then chews this material further thoroughly to continue to break down tough plant fibers.

This repeated chewing and re-swallowing is crucial for efficient digestion, allowing the microbes in the rumen more access to the feed, extracting maximum nutrients from fibrous plant matter like grass and hay.

Answer: Belgian Yellow

The Xinjiang Brown is considered a famous and important dual-purpose cultivated cattle breed in China, particularly significant within the cattle breeding industry in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Xinjiang Brown cattle are widely raised due to their strong adaptability to the area's arid, cold, and often barren environments.

The Black Angus is considered a famous and important beef cattle breed, particularly significant within the beef production industry worldwide. They are highly valued for their naturally polled (hornless) characteristic, early maturity, and excellent carcass quality. Originating from Scotland, Black Angus cattle are renowned for their marbling and tender meat, making them a cornerstone of premium beef markets globally.

The British White is considered a distinctive and important dual-purpose heritage cattle breed in the United Kingdom, particularly significant for its unique appearance and hardiness. They are highly valued for their naturally polled characteristic and docile temperament, alongside their ability to produce both quality beef and milk.

The Belgian Blue is considered a famous and economically important beef cattle breed in Belgium, particularly significant within the specialized meat production industry. They are highly valued for their unique "double-muscling" characteristic, which results in exceptionally lean, heavy muscle mass and high meat yield. They have a coat which is almost blue!

Answer: A hump

Zebu cattle (and Sanga breeds, which are a mix of Zebu and African taurine cattle) are set apart from other cattle, and can appear yak-like, primarily by their prominent fatty hump on their shoulders. This hump is a key distinguishing feature. Apart from this, Zebu cattle typically have a large, loose flap of skin under their neck called a dewlap, and often have noticeably drooping ears.

These adaptations, along with their humps, contribute to their excellent heat tolerance and make them well-suited for tropical and arid environments, unlike many other cattle types.