Cows live primarily in grasslands, savannas, barns, or sheds depending on whether they are wild, domesticated, or farmed. Domesticated dairy cows often live indoors in barns during colder or rainy seasons but are also grazed on pastures when weather permits. Young calves may be housed separately in pens or small hutches for protection. In intensive farming areas, cows may live in tie-stall or free-stall barns, with some tethered for long periods, but access to pasture is given seasonally depending on the farm's practices. Wild or feral cows and ancestral breeds typically inhabit grassland or savanna environments where they forage in herds.
Living environments of cows:
- Grasslands and savannas for wild ancestors or feral cattle.
- Barns or sheds for domesticated dairy and beef cows, especially in colder or rainy weather.
- Pastures for grazing during mild weather.
- Calves may live in separate pens or hutches for health and safety.
- Free-stall barns allow cows to move freely with central milking parlors.
- Tie-stall barns have individual stalls and less movement.
- Some cows are tethered year-round with limited movement access.
- Most cows in some countries have limited or seasonal pasture access.
This variety in living conditions reflects differences in farming practices and climate conditions across regions and countries.
