Why do cows have such straight backs (parallel to the ground)? Most other animals don’t seem to…
In: Biology
They are bred to be that way. If you look at wild cows or buffalo they do not have straight backs but the loin and rib (top of back near haunches) is the most valuable steak. So farmers breed cattle to have long, wide, straight backs. It is easier to cut and process and it produces more meat. Look at the limousin cattle breed compared to the holstein. The first is a special breed of beef cow bred to have long backs. The second is a dairy cow bred to be tall for easy access to udders. Artificial selection drives the selection of certain traits.
Edit: limousine cattle is spelled limousin
Latest Answers