An ox, also known as a bullock, is a bovine trained and used as a draft animal. They are typically castrated adult male cattle, which inhibits testosterone and aggression, making them docile and safer to work with. While cows (adult females) or bulls (intact males) may also be used in some areas, oxen are usually larger and of larger breeds, which is why they are predominantly males. Females can be trained as oxen, but they are often smaller and more valued for producing calves and milk. Bulls are also used in many parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa.
Oxen are used for various tasks, such as plowing, transportation, and powering operations that thresh and grind grain or produce irrigation. They are usually put to work in pairs, and additional pairs can be added as needed, depending on the job. Teams of oxen can consist of over ten pairs. In many Asian communities, the ox is historically revered as a loyal and honorable creature that has served its human masters for over 6,000 years.
The main differences between an ox and a cow are:
- Sex: Oxen are male, while cows are female.
- Purpose: Oxen are primarily used for work, while cows are not trained for such tasks.
- Size: Oxen are much larger, heavier, and more muscular than cows.
