Bison and cattle are often confused due to their similar appearances and shared grazing habitats. While both are large, hoofed mammals associated with grasslands, they are distinct species with different evolutionary paths and biological characteristics. Understanding their classifications and individual traits clarifies the differences between these animals.
Understanding Their Scientific Classification
Bison and cattle belong to different genera within the same biological family, Bovidae. The American bison is Bison bison, and the European bison is Bison bonasus. Domestic cattle are classified under the genus Bos, with common species including Bos taurus (European breeds) and Bos indicus (Zebu cattle). While both are in the Bovidae family, their distinct genera highlight a significant biological separation.
Genetic studies indicate a close relationship, with some analyses suggesting bison are nested within the Bos genus or are closely related to yaks. However, traditional taxonomy places them in separate genera. Bos taurus originated in cooler regions like Europe, while Bos indicus adapted to hot, humid climates in South Asia and Africa. Bison evolved in and are native to the North American plains and Europe.
Key Differences Between Bison and Cattle
Beyond their scientific classifications, bison and cattle exhibit differences in physical appearance, behavior, habitat preferences, and genetic make-up. These distinctions highlight their adaptations to different ecological roles.
Physical Appearance
Bison possess a distinctive physical profile. They are notably larger, with mature male American bison weighing between 1,800 and 2,400 pounds and standing 5.5 to 6.5 feet tall at their prominent shoulder hump. This large hump, composed of muscle, is an identifying feature, along with their massive heads which are carried low. Bison also have a thick, shaggy dark-brown winter coat, particularly long on their head, neck, and forelegs, often accompanied by a beard. Both sexes of bison have short, upcurved horns.
In contrast, domestic cattle have a more uniform body shape without a pronounced shoulder hump, unless they are Bos indicus breeds which feature a fatty hump. Cattle have shorter hair, and their size varies more widely, with many breeds weighing less than bison, usually between 880 to 1,760 pounds and standing 4.5 to 5 feet tall.
Behavioral Traits
Behavioral patterns also differentiate bison from cattle. Bison are nomadic grazers, moving across vast landscapes in herds, with mature bulls often living separately from female and young groups outside of breeding season. They are more active in the early morning and late afternoon and are known for their wallowing behavior, where they roll in dirt. Bison move more frequently and over larger distances than cattle, and they spend less time near water sources or under trees.
In contrast, cattle are domesticated and managed in more confined settings. Cattle spend more time around water and trees and demonstrate less movement across their grazing areas. Handling bison can be more challenging, as they are wilder than cattle, which have been selectively bred for calmer temperaments.
Habitat and Diet
The natural habitats and dietary preferences of bison and cattle reflect their different evolutionary adaptations. American bison are native to and thrive in prairies, plains, and river valleys, primarily grazing on grasses and sedges. They can also be found in some lightly wooded areas and mountainous regions. Their diet consists mainly of perennial grasses, with forbs making up a very small percentage.
Domestic cattle, due to their domestication and global distribution, are raised in a wide variety of environments. While they also graze on grasses, cattle are less selective in their diet, consuming a broader range of plant material, including more forbs and shrubs than bison. Bos taurus breeds are adapted to cooler climates, while Bos indicus breeds are better suited for hot and humid conditions.
Genetic Distinctions and Hybridization
Despite being distinct species, bison and cattle can interbreed, though with limitations. Crosses between bison and cattle produce hybrids, sometimes referred to as “Beefalo” or “Cattalo.” First-generation male offspring from these crosses are sterile, although females can be fertile. This partial infertility underscores their species-level separation, as fully fertile offspring are characteristic of within-species breeding.
Historical crossbreeding experiments faced challenges, including high rates of abortions, stillbirths, and maternal deaths. While some bison herds today contain a small percentage of cattle DNA, ranging from 0.56% to 1.8%, the appearance and genetic makeup of most “Beefalo” animals are predominantly cattle-like.