Bovids

Activity Blue wildebeest fighting for dominance Most bovids are diurnal, although a few such as the buffalo, bushbuck, reedbuck, and grysbok are exceptions.

Again, communication is the likely function. citation Excepting some domesticated forms, all male bovids have horns, and in many species, females, too, possess horns.

All bovids have four toes on each foot – they walk on the central two (the hooves ), while the outer two (the dewclaws ) are much smaller and rarely touch the ground.

All bovids mate at least once a year, and smaller species may even mate twice.

As a rule, only two bovids of equal build and level of defence engage in a fight, which is intended to determine the superior of the two.

Behaviour and ecology A painting by Heinrich Harder showing an aurochs fighting off a Eurasian wolf pack Like many bovids, aurochs formed herds for at least one part of the year.

Bovids have a long small intestine ; the length of the small intestine in cattle is convert.

Bovids typically rest before dawn, during midday, and after dark.

Bovids usually stand motionless, with the head high and an intent stare, when they sense danger.

Dentition Most bovids bear 30 to 32 teeth.

Different bovids have different strategies for defence of juveniles.

Early in their evolutionary history, the bovids split into two main clades: Boodontia (of Eurasian origin) and Aegodontia (of African origin).

Ecology and behaviour Blackbuck antelopes The bovids have various methods of social organisation and social behaviour, which are classified into solitary and gregarious behaviour.

In some species, neonate bovids remain hidden for a week to two months, regularly nursed by their mothers; in other species, neonates are followers, accompanying their dams, rather than tending to remain hidden.

Interaction with humans Domesticated animals further Zebu oxen in Mumbai The domestication of bovids has contributed in shifting the dependence of human beings from hunting and gathering to agriculture.

Mating seasons occur typically during the rainy months for most bovids.

Mature bovids mate at least once a year and smaller species may even mate twice.

Most bovids bear 30 to 32 teeth.

Phosphorus is a crucial element for all life forms, particularly for lactating female bovids.

The horns of female bovids are believed to have evolved for defence against predators or to express territoriality, as nonterritorial females, which are able to use crypsis for predator defence, often do not have horns.