We just got home from seeing the new movie Barnyard. Great story, good for families and all that. I enjoyed it for the most part, but the farm kid part of me had a hard time dealing with the sight of a "male" cow with an udder. It's just so wrong.
So for those of you who do not know the differences concerning certain farm animals and appropriate gender titles, here goes. (If I forget any that someone thinks should be included, please add a post.)
Cattle: (BTW, both males and females can have horns)
A cow is female; she gives milk after the birth of her calf. Until the birth of her first calf, a young cow is called a heifer.
A bull is male. A steer is a castrated male, generally raised for beef purposes.
Horses: A mare is female. A stallion is male. A gelding is a castrated male. A baby horse may be called a foal (gender neutral), a colt (male) or a filly (female).
Chickens: A hen is female; she lays the eggs. A rooster is male; he crows.
Pigs: A sow is female. A boar is male.
I know there are a lot of other ones, but I think this is enough to make my point. Thanks for letting me rant a little.
So for those of you who do not know the differences concerning certain farm animals and appropriate gender titles, here goes. (If I forget any that someone thinks should be included, please add a post.)
Cattle: (BTW, both males and females can have horns)
A cow is female; she gives milk after the birth of her calf. Until the birth of her first calf, a young cow is called a heifer.
A bull is male. A steer is a castrated male, generally raised for beef purposes.
Horses: A mare is female. A stallion is male. A gelding is a castrated male. A baby horse may be called a foal (gender neutral), a colt (male) or a filly (female).
Chickens: A hen is female; she lays the eggs. A rooster is male; he crows.
Pigs: A sow is female. A boar is male.
I know there are a lot of other ones, but I think this is enough to make my point. Thanks for letting me rant a little.
