What is the Difference Between Bull and Steer?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a bull and a steer lies in their sex, age, and behavior. Here are the key differences:
- Bull: A bull is a mature male bovine that is at least 2 years old and used for breeding purposes. Bulls are usually not raised for meat and are more aggressive and short-tempered than steers. They have large, muscular shoulders, necks, and hindquarters. Bulls are capable of reproducing and are often used in cow-calf farms.
- Steer: A steer is a castrated male bovine, typically raised for meat production. Steers are less aggressive than bulls due to their castration, which results in lower testosterone levels. They are more docile and easier to handle. Steers are not capable of reproducing. The size and weight of a steer depend on the breed, ranging from 450–1,360 kg (1,000–3,000 pounds).
In summary, bulls are mature male bovines used for breeding purposes, while steers are castrated male bovines raised primarily for meat production. Bulls tend to be more aggressive and muscular, whereas steers are more docile and suitable for meat production.
Comparative Table: Bull vs Steer
Here is a table highlighting the differences between bulls and steers:
| Characteristic | Bull | Steer |
|---|---|---|
| Reproductive Ability | Intact male, capable of mating and reproducing | Castrated male, not capable of mating and reproducing |
| Aggression Level | More aggressive and short-tempered, tend to fight to establish dominance within a herd | Less aggressive and more docile, due to lower testosterone levels |
| Muscular Build | Muscular, with larger shoulders and hips | Less muscular, with smaller shoulders and hips |
| Size | Relatively bigger than steers | Smaller than bulls |
| Meat Production | Rarely used for meat production | Raised primarily for meat production |
| Testes | Present | Removed |
| Behavior | May perceive the presence of other bulls or humans as a threat to their relations with the herd | Easier to handle, as they don't need to fight other herd members for dominance |
Bulls are mature, uncastrated male bovines, while steers are castrated male bovines, usually raised for meat production. Bulls are more aggressive and have a more muscular build than steers. Steers, being castrated, have lower testosterone levels, making them less aggressive and more docile.
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