Cow vs. Buffalo — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
The cow is a domesticated bovine animal commonly kept for milk, meat, and other by-products. Buffalo refers to several species of large, wild or semi-domesticated bovines native to Asia and Africa, known for their robust build and distinct horns.

Difference Between Cow and Buffalo
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Key Differences
From a physical standpoint, cows usually have a more docile appearance, often with shorter horns or none at all, depending on the breed. Buffaloes are generally more robust, with a more formidable appearance, characterized by longer, more massive horns that can span over a meter across in some species. The hide of a buffalo is also thicker and tougher compared to that of a cow.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
In terms of behavior, cows are generally considered to be more docile and are easier to handle, making them more suitable for domestication. Buffalo are often seen as more aggressive and less predictable, especially the wild species like the African Cape buffalo. It's important to note, however, that domesticated species of buffalo, like the water buffalo, are also used in agriculture and can be tamed to a certain extent.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
The cow is a well-known domesticated animal primarily kept for its milk, meat, and leather. It is a versatile livestock animal that has been bred into various breeds for specific purposes such as milk or meat production. Buffalo, on the other hand, refers to several species including the water buffalo and the African Cape buffalo, which are less commonly domesticated and often found in the wild. Buffalo species are generally larger and stronger than domestic cows and are distinguished by their long, curved horns.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Cows are more prevalent in western countries and are a staple of American and European agriculture. They have been selectively bred for centuries, leading to a variety of breeds like Holstein, Jersey, and Angus. Buffalo, however, are native to Asia and Africa. In places like India, the water buffalo is domesticated for similar purposes as the cow, including milk and meat production, but their milk is richer in fat content.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
Native Habitat
Worldwide, domesticated
Asia, Africa (wild or semi-domesticated)

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Sep 21, 2023
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Definitions
Buffalo➦
Strong work animal.
The buffalo is used for plowing fields in some countries.

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Sep 21, 2023
Cow➦
Sacred in some cultures.
In India, the cow is considered a sacred animal.

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Sep 21, 2023
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Buffalo➦
Different species exist.
The water buffalo and the Cape buffalo are two different species.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Cow➦
Domesticated bovine for milk.
The cow in the pasture provides fresh milk every morning.

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Sep 21, 2023
Buffalo➦
Characterized by long horns.
The buffalo's horns can be incredibly long and intimidating.

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Sep 21, 2023
Buffalo➦
Any of several large African and Asian ruminant mammals of the family Bovidae, such as the water buffalo and the African buffalo.

Fiza Rafique
Jul 17, 2019
Cow➦
The mature female of certain other large animals, such as elephants, moose, or whales.

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Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
Any of several North American suckers of the genus Ictiobus, having a dark body and an arched back. Also called buffalo fish.

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Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
To intimidate or frighten, as by a display of authority
“The board couldn't buffalo the federal courts as it had the Comptroller” (American Banker).

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Jul 17, 2019
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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Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
To confuse or deceive
“Too often ... job seekers have buffaloed lenders as to their competency and training” (H. Jane Lehman).

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Jul 17, 2019
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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Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
Any of the Old World mammals of the family Bovidae, such as the Cape buffalo, Syncerus caffer, or the water buffalo Bubalus bubalis.

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Jul 17, 2019
Cow➦
(uncommon) Any bovines or bovids generally, including yaks, buffalo, etc.

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Jul 17, 2019
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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Jul 17, 2019
Cow➦
A woman considered unpleasant in some way, particularly one considered nasty, stupid, fat, lazy, or difficult.

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Jul 17, 2019
Cow➦
To intimidate; to daunt the spirits or courage of.
Con artists are not cowed by the law.

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Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
A species of the genus Bos or Bubalus (Bubalus bubalus), originally from India, but now found in most of the warmer countries of the eastern continent. It is larger and less docile than the common ox, and is fond of marshy places and rivers.

Fiza Rafique
Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
A very large and savage species of the same genus (Syncerus Caffer syn. Bubalus Caffer) found in South Africa; - called also Cape buffalo.

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Jul 17, 2019
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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Jul 17, 2019
Cow➦
Subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)

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Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
Any of several Old World animals resembling oxen including, e.g., water buffalo; Cape buffalo

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Jul 17, 2019
Buffalo➦
Large wild or semi-domesticated bovine.
The buffalo roamed the African savanna.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Buffalo➦
Source of rich milk.
The buffalo's milk is used for making specialized dairy products.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
FAQs
Can you milk a buffalo?
Yes, certain species like the water buffalo are milked.

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Sep 21, 2023
Is cow's milk and buffalo's milk the same?
No, buffalo milk is generally richer in fat content.

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Sep 21, 2023
Are cows and buffalo the same?
No, cows and buffalo are different in species, characteristics, and uses.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What is a buffalo?
Buffalo refers to several species of large, wild or semi-domesticated bovines native to Asia and Africa.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Do buffalo have multiple breeds?
Buffalo are not classified into breeds but into different species like water buffalo and Cape buffalo.

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Sep 21, 2023
Are buffalo horns larger than cow horns?
Generally, yes; buffalo horns are often longer and more robust.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What is a cow?
A cow is a domesticated bovine animal commonly kept for milk, meat, and other by-products.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Do cows have a variety of breeds?
Yes, there are multiple breeds of cows like Holstein and Angus.

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Sep 21, 2023
Are buffalo considered sacred in any culture?
Not as commonly as cows, but they are respected in some cultures.

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Sep 21, 2023
Are buffalo dangerous?
Wild species like the African Cape buffalo are considered dangerous.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Are cows or buffalo stronger?
Buffalo are generally more robust and stronger than cows.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Edited 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.