Distinguish between species and breeds: species refer to broader groups (Bos taurus, Bos indicus), while breeds are the specific, distinct lineages within a species that have particular traits.
Within a species, breeds differ by traits that affect environment suitability, production traits, and management.
Example discussions in lecture:
Bos taurus (Bostaurus in transcript) = cattle of European descent; common in the United States for dairy and beef.
Bos indicus (Bost indicus in transcript) = cattle of Southeast Asian descent; have adaptations that suit hot, humid environments.
There are hundreds of breeds within each species; we focus on those most relevant to economies and production systems.
Terms and shorthand used:
Bos taurus (Bostaurus) vs Bos indicus (Bost indicus)
Zebu: a descriptor/common name for many Bos indicus cattle
- Brahman (or Brahma): a prominent Bos indicus breed developed in the United States