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Bovids range in size from the 38 cm (15 in) long royal antelope to the 3.3 m (11 ft) long gaur, which can reach 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) in weight. [1] Over a billion each of domesticated sheep , cattle , and goats , and over 200 million domesticated water buffalo , 14 million domestic yak , and 300,000 domesticated gayal are used in farming worldwide.
Bovids are herbivores, feeding on grass, foliage, and plant products. Most bovids alternately feed and ruminate throughout the day. While those that feed on concentrate feed and digest in short intervals, the roughage feeders take longer intervals. Only small species such as the duiker browse for a few hours during day or night. [32]
Bovids are used as draft animals and as riding animals. Small breeds of domestic bovid, such as the Miniature Zebu , are kept as pets. Bovid leather is durable and flexible and is used to produce a wide range of goods including clothing and bags .
The subfamily Caprinae, [1] also sometimes referred to as the tribe Caprini, [2] is part of the ruminant family Bovidae, [3] and consists of mostly medium-sized bovids. A member of this subfamily is called a caprine. [4] Prominent members include sheep and goats, with some other members referred to as goat antelopes.
The unique horn structure is the only unambiguous morphological feature of bovids that distinguishes them from other pecorans. [ 56 ] [ 57 ] Male horn development has been linked to sexual selection, [ 58 ] [ 59 ] while the presence of horns in females is likely due to natural selection.
Wild cattle are usually massive bovids that are stout-bodied with thick, short legs. [26] [1] [27] [8] Some species can reach impressive body-sizes such as wild water buffalo, wild yak, American bison, and European bison, which can weigh between 700 and 1,200 kilograms and these species can attain a shoulder height more than 1.9 meters. [27]
Prehistoric bovids (1 C, 80 P) Pages in category "Bovidae" The following 18 pages are in this category, out of 18 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. ...
Suni feed on leaves, fungi, fruits and flowers, and need almost no free water. They are shy, most active at night, and sleep during the day in a shady, sheltered area. They are social but males defend a territory of about three hectares. They scent-mark the boundaries with secretions from their preorbital glands.