What is the Scientific Name of Indian Cow

The scientific name of the common domestic cow is Bos taurus, and the Indian humped cow (zebu) is Bos taurus indicus (often called Bos indicus).

In science, domestic cattle are grouped under the species Bos taurus. Within this, there are two major lines: Bos taurus taurus (taurine or European cattle) and Bos taurus indicus (indicine or zebu cattle). In everyday use, people say “cow,” but scientifically we use these names to show the exact animal type. Indian cattle with a hump and loose skin belong to the indicus group.

Why there are two names in use

You will see both Bos indicus and Bos taurus indicus in books and papers. This is because some systems list zebu as its own species (Bos indicus), while many modern systems treat it as a subspecies of the domestic cattle species (Bos taurus indicus). Both point to the same animal type: the humped, heat-tolerant cattle common in India, South Asia, and tropical regions.

Key facts for quick reference

• Common name: Cow, domestic cattle
• Scientific name (taurine): Bos taurus taurus
• Scientific name (indicine/zebu): Bos taurus indicus (also written as Bos indicus)
• Origin: From wild aurochs domesticated thousands of years ago
• Use: Milk, meat, draught power, manure, cultural value