How big is a cow?

Adult size for cows can vary significantly due to breed and sex, although large breeds can weigh 1,400 pounds or more. Smaller breeds weigh between 600 and 1,000 pounds. Bulls can grow over 3,000 pounds in rare occasions.

Cows are domesticated members of the subfamily Bovinae, which includes other large ungulates, such as the water buffalo, bison and four-horned antelope. Of those belonging to the genus Bos, cattle are the most common species in the world. Although cattle are widely used for meat, milk and leather, they are considered a holy symbol in parts of India. It is believed the first cattle were domesticated in Southeast Turkey approximately 10,500 years ago.