Cow vs. Sow: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A cow is a mature female bovine, especially one that has had a calf, while a sow is an adult female pig.
Key Differences
A cow is a female animal of the bovine species, particularly known for being a primary source of dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter. In contrast, a sow is the term used for an adult female pig, known for its role in pork production and breeding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Cows are significant in both dairy and beef industries, often bred for their milk-producing capabilities or meat. Sows, on the other hand, are valued in the pork industry, particularly for breeding and producing piglets.
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Dec 01, 2023
The physical characteristics of cows include a large body, udders for milk production, and they are often found grazing in fields. Sows are characterized by their stout build, short legs, and they are often reared in piggeries for pork or breeding purposes.
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Dec 01, 2023
In many cultures, cows hold a significant place, often revered or associated with agricultural life. Sows, while important economically, do not generally hold the same cultural or religious significance as cows.
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Dec 01, 2023
The term "cow" is sometimes used colloquially to refer to bovines in general, regardless of sex, whereas "sow" is specifically used to describe only adult female pigs and is not used as a general term for all pigs.
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Dec 01, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Cultural Significance
Often revered or symbolically important
Less cultural or religious significance
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Dec 01, 2023
General Usage
Can refer to all cattle colloquially
Specifically denotes adult female pigs
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Dec 01, 2023
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Cow and Sow Definitions
Cow
A mature female bovine, especially after having a calf.
The farmer's prized cow won several awards at the fair.
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Dec 01, 2023
Sow
An adult female pig, especially one that has given birth.
The sow on their farm recently had a litter of piglets.
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Dec 01, 2023
Cow
A general term sometimes used for all cattle.
He raised several cows and bulls on his ranch.
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Dec 01, 2023
Sow
A pig breed specifically for pork production.
The farmer's sow was part of a breed known for high-quality meat.
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Dec 01, 2023
Cow
A female animal of the species Bos taurus or Bos indicus.
The Indian cow, a Bos indicus, is revered in many parts of the country.
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Dec 01, 2023
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Sow
A term denoting the female of the swine species.
The farm had several sows and boars in separate enclosures.
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Dec 01, 2023
Cow
The mature female of certain other large animals, such as elephants, moose, or whales.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
To strew something around or over (an area); distribute something over
"The yard was sown with cement sculpture" (Ashley Warlick).
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
An adult female of the species Bos taurus, especially one that has calved.
Cow milk is the most common form of milk in Europe.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
(formerly inexact but now common) Any member of the species Bos taurus regardless of sex or age, including bulls and calves.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
(uncommon) Beef: the meat of cattle as food.
The only meat I eat is cow.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
(uncommon) Any bovines or bovids generally, including yaks, buffalo, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
(biology) A female member of other large species of mammal, including the bovines, moose, whales, seals, hippos, rhinos, manatees, and elephants.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
A woman considered unpleasant in some way, particularly one considered nasty, stupid, fat, lazy, or difficult.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
To intimidate; to daunt the spirits or courage of.
Con artists are not cowed by the law.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
To depress with fear; to daunt the spirits or courage of; to overawe.
To vanquish a people already cowed.
THe French king was cowed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
(military) A kind of covered shed, formerly used by besiegers in filling up and passing the ditch of a besieged place, sapping and mining the wall, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
(ambitransitive) To scatter, disperse, or plant (seeds).
When I had sown the field, the day's work was over.
As you sow, so shall you reap.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
Subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)
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Oct 19, 2023
Cow
An animal raised for its milk and meat in the cattle family.
The dairy farm had over fifty cows producing milk daily.
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Dec 01, 2023
Cow
A symbol of agricultural life and prosperity in many cultures.
In their village, a cow symbolized wealth and fertility.
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Dec 01, 2023
Sow
To scatter, as seed, upon the earth; to plant by strewing; as, to sow wheat. Also used figuratively: To spread abroad; to propagate.
A sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside.
And sow dissension in the hearts of brothers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
To scatter seed upon, in, or over; to supply or stock, as land, with seeds. Also used figuratively: To scatter over; to besprinkle.
The intellectual faculty is a goodly field, . . . and it is the worst husbandry in the world to sow it with trifles.
[He] sowed with stars the heaven.
Now morn . . . sowed the earth with orient pearl.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
To scatter seed for growth and the production of a crop; - literally or figuratively.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joi.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
A kind of covered shed, formerly used by besiegers in filling up and passing the ditch of a besieged place, sapping and mining the wall, or the like.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
Place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth;
She sowed sunflower seeds
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Oct 19, 2023
Sow
A term used in pig farming to refer to breeding female pigs.
They bought a new sow to increase the productivity of their pig farm.
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Dec 01, 2023
Sow
An integral part of the pork industry for producing offspring.
The sow's piglets were raised to be sold at market.
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Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a cow?
A cow is a mature female bovine, especially one that has had a calf.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
What do cows provide?
Cows provide dairy products like milk and are also raised for beef.
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Dec 01, 2023
Are sows used for pork?
Yes, sows are raised for pork and for breeding piglets.
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Dec 01, 2023
How long can a cow live?
Cows can live about 20 years, depending on breed and conditions.
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Dec 01, 2023
What's the gestation period of a cow?
It's about 9 months, similar to humans.
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Dec 01, 2023
Are all cows used for milking?
Not all; some are specifically bred for beef production.
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Dec 01, 2023
Do cows have multiple stomachs?
Yes, cows have a four-compartment stomach for digesting tough plant material.
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Dec 01, 2023
How many piglets can a sow have?
A sow can have a litter of 10-12 piglets, on average.
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Dec 01, 2023
What do cows eat?
Cows mainly eat grass, hay, and sometimes grain-based feed.
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Dec 01, 2023
Are sows social animals?
Yes, pigs, including sows, are social and intelligent animals.
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Dec 01, 2023
What makes a pig a sow?
A female pig becomes a sow typically after birthing her first litter.
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Dec 01, 2023
What do sows eat?
Sows eat a diet of grains, vegetables, and special pig feed.
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Dec 01, 2023
Do cows sleep standing up?
Cows can doze standing up, but they lie down for deep sleep.
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Dec 01, 2023
What's the lifespan of a sow?
Sows live approximately 8-12 years in managed conditions.
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Dec 01, 2023
What's the main use of sows in farming?
Sows are primarily used for breeding and producing piglets.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can sows be aggressive?
Sows can be protective of their piglets and may show aggression if threatened.
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Dec 01, 2023
Are sows good mothers?
Yes, sows are generally attentive and protective of their piglets.
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Dec 01, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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