Cows: Providers of Life and Nutrition

 here's a more comprehensive description of cows in English, including average weight and nutritional content of their products:

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Cows: Providers of Life and Nutrition

Cows are among the largest and most vital livestock mammals for human civilization. Their bodies are large and muscular, supported by four strong legs. Most cows have horns that vary in shape and size according to their breed, ranging from gracefully curved to short and blunt. Their skin is typically covered with short hair in diverse colors like brown, black, white, or distinctive patchy combinations.

A cow's face features large, seemingly gentle eyes and a pair of flexible ears that can detect sounds. Their muzzles are broad with large nostrils, efficient for sniffing out fresh grass. Cows are true herbivores, meaning their primary diet consists of plants, such as grass and hay. They possess a unique digestive system with four stomachs (rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum) that allows them to ruminate and digest roughage very efficiently.

Average Body Weight:

A cow's body weight can vary significantly depending on gender, age, and breed. In Indonesia, the average weight of a beef cattle can reach almost 400 kg per animal. For newborn calves, the average birth weight ranges between 18-38 kg, with male calves generally slightly heavier than females. Adult male cattle (bulls) can weigh 800-1,000 kg or more, while adult female cows (dairy cows) typically weigh between 400-600 kg.

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Cow Products and Their Nutritional Content

Cows are providers of highly valuable animal products, especially meat and milk, both rich in essential nutrients.

 

 

1. Beef

Beef is a high-quality source of animal protein and various important micronutrients. Here's an approximate nutritional content per 100 grams of raw beef with moderate fat:

• Energy: Around 200-250 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 18-26 grams (excellent for muscle building and repair)
• Fat: Around 14-19 grams (including saturated and unsaturated fats)
• Iron: About 2.6-2.8 mg (important for red blood cell formation and preventing anemia)
• Zinc: Approximately 5.2-6.4 mg (supports the immune system and skin health)
• Phosphorus: Around 150-170 mg (important for bone and teeth health)
• Potassium: Around 267-378 mg (supports nerve and muscle function)
• Vitamin B12: About 2.6 µg (crucial for nerve health and red blood cell formation)
• Vitamin B6: Around 0.4 mg
• Magnesium: Approximately 21 mg

Beef also contains bioactive compounds like creatine (muscle energy source) and taurine (important for heart and muscle health).

2. Cow's Milk

Cow's milk is a complete nutritious beverage rich in macro and micronutrients. Here's an approximate nutritional content per 100 ml of fresh cow's milk:

• Energy: Around 61 kcal
• Water: Approximately 88.3 grams
• Protein: About 3.2 grams (contains casein and whey, good for muscles)
• Fat: Around 3.5 grams
• Carbohydrates (Lactose): Approximately 4.3 grams
• Calcium: About 143 mg (very important for bones and teeth)
• Phosphorus: Around 60 mg (works with calcium for bone health)
• Potassium: Approximately 149 mg
• Vitamin A: Around 39 mcg (important for eye health and immunity)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): About 0.18 mg
• Vitamin D: Often fortified, essential for calcium absorption
• Zinc: Approximately 0.3 mg

Cow's milk is also a source of various other vitamins and minerals, making it an important part of a balanced diet for many people.

Short Conversation

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Amin:"Hey, what are you reading?"

Siti:"Oh, just an article about cows! Did you know they're super important to us?"

Siska:"Really? I mean, I know they give us milk and meat, but what else?"

Amin:"Well, they're huge mammals. An adult cow can weigh anywhere from 400 to 600 kg, and a bull even more! And their digestive system is fascinating; they have four stomachs to break down all that grass and hay."

Siti:"Wow, four stomachs! That's impressive. What about their colors? Are they all just black and white?"

Amin:"Not at all! You see them in brown, black, white, or even combinations with patches. And personality-wise, they're generally known to be calm and patient animals. They just quietly graze in the fields."

Siska:"Wow, four stomachs! That's impressive. What about the nutrition stuff you mentioned?"

Amin:"Yeah! Beef is packed with protein, about 18-26 grams per 100g, and it's full of iron and zinc. And milk? It's a powerhouse of calcium – around 143 mg per 100 ml – plus lots of protein and vitamins."

Siti:"So, they're basically walking super-factories for food and nutrients! I never thought about them that way."

Amin:"Exactly! They're gentle giants that contribute so much to our daily lives."

Test on Cows: Our Gentle Giants

Instructions: Read the conversation between Amin, Siti, and Siska carefully before answering the following questions.

I. Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the best answer for each question.

1.     What is the primary topic of the conversation?

a) The benefits of drinking milk

b) The importance and characteristics of cows

c) Different types of farm animals

d) How to raise cattle

2. How many stomachs does a cow have?

a) One

b) Two

c) Three

d) Four

3. Which of the following colors is NOT mentioned as a common cow color in the conversation?

a) Brown

b) Blue

c) Black

d) White

4. What is the approximate range of protein in 100g of beef, as mentioned by Amin?

a) 5-10 grams

b) 10-15 grams

c) 18-26 grams

d) 30-40 grams

5. What mineral is highlighted as abundant in milk and crucial for bones and teeth?

a) Iron

b) Zinc

c) Calcium

d) Potassium

II. True or False Statements

Indicate whether each statement is True (T) or False (F).

1. T / F: Cows are considered small mammals.
2. T / F: Cows primarily eat meat.
3. T / F: A bull typically weighs less than an adult cow.
4. T / F: Cows are generally known for being calm animals.
5. T / F: Milk is a good source of Vitamin C.

III. Essay Questions

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Based on the conversation, explain two reasons why cows are considered "super important" or "contribute so much to our daily lives."
2. Describe the two main types of products we get from cows, as discussed in the conversation, and mention at least two nutritional benefits for each.
3. Amin describes cows as having a "fascinating" digestive system. Explain what makes their digestive system unique and how it helps them.