Carabao vs. Cow — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
A Carabao is a domesticated water buffalo native to the Philippines, while a Cow is a female of domestic cattle, often raised for milk or meat.
Difference Between Carabao and Cow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Carabao and Cow refer to different species within the larger category of domesticated bovine animals. The Carabao, specifically, is a type of water buffalo indigenous to the Philippines and is often used for plowing and as a beast of burden. On the other hand, the Cow, recognized universally, is the female of domestic cattle, primarily utilized for its milk and meat.
In terms of physical appearance, the Carabao tends to have a larger and more robust build compared to the typical Cow. This robustness makes the Carabao especially suited for labor-intensive tasks. Meanwhile, the Cow, with its diverse breeds, varies in size, color, and purpose, with some bred for milk production and others for beef.
The cultural significance of both the Carabao and Cow cannot be understated. In the Philippines, the Carabao holds symbolic importance, representing hard work and perseverance. In contrast, the Cow has religious and cultural significance in many countries, such as India, where it's considered sacred.
Dietary habits of the Carabao and Cow are primarily herbivorous, but there are slight differences. Carabaos, being swamp animals, often graze on aquatic plants in wetlands, while Cows typically graze on grass and might be given supplemental feed depending on their purpose.
In the global agricultural scene, while Cows are predominant in many parts of the world for dairy and meat production, the Carabao plays a more localized role, especially in Southeast Asian agriculture.
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Comparison Chart
Species
Water buffalo
Domestic cattle
Origin
Philippines
Global
Primary Use
Plowing, labor
Milk, meat
Diet
Aquatic plants, grasses
Grasses, supplemental feed
Cultural Significance
Symbol of hard work in the Philippines
Religious and cultural significance in many countries
Compare with Definitions
Carabao
A beast of burden in the Philippines.
The Carabao carried heavy sacks of grain to the market.
Cow
A source of beef in many cuisines.
The Cow was raised organically for its meat.
Carabao
A swamp-adapted bovine.
The Carabao enjoyed wallowing in the muddy waters.
Cow
An animal raised for milk production.
The dairy farm had over a hundred Cows.
Carabao
A symbol of hard work in Filipino culture.
The festival honored the Carabao for its contribution to agriculture.
Cow
A herbivorous ruminant.
The Cow chewed cud while resting under the tree.
Carabao
A type of domesticated water buffalo.
The farmer used his Carabao to plow the rice fields.
Cow
The mature female of cattle of the genus Bos.
Carabao
A source of milk and meat in some Southeast Asian regions.
Carabao milk is used to make a special kind of cheese.
Cow
The mature female of certain other large animals, such as elephants, moose, or whales.
Carabao
The carabao (Spanish: Carabao; Tagalog: kalabaw) is a domestic swamp-type water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) native to the Philippines. Carabaos were introduced to Guam from the Spanish Philippines in the 17th century.
Cow
A domesticated bovine of either sex or any age.
Carabao
See water buffalo.
Cow
To frighten or subdue with threats or a show of force.
Carabao
A domesticated subspecies of water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis carabanesis.
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.
Carabao
The water buffalo of the Philippines.
Cow
(formerly inexact but now common) Any member of the species Bos taurus regardless of sex or age, including bulls and calves.
Carabao
Water buffalo of the Philippines
Cow
(uncommon) Beef: the meat of cattle as food.
The only meat I eat is cow.
Cow
(uncommon) Any bovines or bovids generally, including yaks, buffalo, etc.
Cow
(biology) A female member of other large species of mammal, including the bovines, moose, whales, seals, hippos, rhinos, manatees, and elephants.
Cow
A woman considered unpleasant in some way, particularly one considered nasty, stupid, fat, lazy, or difficult.
Cow
(mining) A chock: a wedge or brake used to stop a machine or car.
Cow
To intimidate; to daunt the spirits or courage of.
Con artists are not cowed by the law.
Cow
The mature female of bovine animals.
Cow
The female of certain large mammals, as whales, seals, etc.
Cow
A chimney cap; a cowl
Cow
A wedge, or brake, to check the motion of a machine or car; a chock.
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.
Cow
Female of domestic cattle:
`moo-cow' is a child's term
Cow
Mature female of mammals of which the male is called `bull'
Cow
A large unpleasant woman
Cow
Subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)
Cow
A female of domesticated cattle.
The Cow gave birth to a healthy calf.
Cow
A term sometimes used colloquially to describe a bothersome person.
She didn't mean to call him a Cow; it was just a slip of the tongue.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary use of Carabao in the Philippines?
Carabaos are primarily used for plowing and as beasts of burden.
Can you drink Carabao milk?
Yes, Carabao milk is consumed and used to make products like cheese.
What do Carabaos eat?
Carabaos primarily eat aquatic plants and grasses.
Are Cows sacred in every culture?
No, but they are considered sacred in some cultures, like in India.
Is a Carabao the same as a Cow?
No, a Carabao is a type of water buffalo, while a Cow is female domestic cattle.
Are all Cows raised for milk?
No, some Cows are raised for beef, while others are raised for milk.
Why do Carabaos wallow in mud?
Carabaos wallow to cool down, protect against insects, and for skin care.
Do both Carabaos and Cows have horns?
Yes, generally both can have horns, though the presence and size vary.
Can a male cattle be called a Cow?
No, male cattle are called bulls.
Which is larger, a Cow or a Carabao?
Generally, Carabaos are more robust and might be larger than many Cow breeds.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
