Scientific name -- Bos taurus
Size -- varies, but about 5' at the shoulder and 1000 lbs. (1600 lbs. for bulls)
Diet -- grasses

Domestic cattle were descended from the aurochs in Europe and the guar in Asia. Cattle were first domesticated between 5000-6000 years ago as beasts of burden, or to provide meat, milk and leather. Raising cattle for meat was likely uncommon; the animal was eaten only if it died or was no longer useful for draft or milk. Unlike goats, they can also serve as beasts of burden, but they require more forage than goats. Cattle were thought to be superior to horses until relatively recently, as they were calmer, less expensive, and less prone to disease, as well as better to eat.