How Fast Can Cows Run? Discover Top Speeds and Compare to Other Farm Animals

Cows are one of the most useful farm animals around. These domestic creatures are valued for their meat and milk. They are grazers that are typically seen moving slowly across pastures. However, cows are capable of picking up the pace and can run a lot faster than you might think.

Species Overview — Domestic Cows

Domestic cows are one of the most common farm animals in the world. Humans first domesticated these animals between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago as draft animals and for their milk and meat, according to Britannica.

Cows are herbivores that feed by grazing grass, alfalfa, hay, and other plant matter. They have 32 teeth and a gummy pad instead of upper incisors and canines to assist in ripping up grass. Cows also have an enormous four-chambered stomach, which helps them to digest tough plant fibers.

Baby cows are known as calves. Female cows are sometimes known as heifers. This usually refers to younger females. After they give birth to their first calf, they are then known as cows. Adult male cows are known as bulls. Male cows are often castrated. Young neutered males are known as steers or bollocks, while adult neutered males are called oxen.

How Fast Can Cows Run?

Cows aren’t typically thought of as speedy animals, but they can move pretty fast when they need to. According to the Dairy Alliance, cows can run at an average speed of 17 miles per hour and reach top speeds of 25 mph.

However, cows only run in short bursts and not for long distances. Typically cows run when they are startled or afraid. Cows may also run when they are excited, such as during feeding time. Curious cattle may also run to keep up with you, which is why you shouldn’t run if you feel threatened by cows, according to basingstoke.gov.

Can Cows Swim?

Another surprising fact about cows is that they can swim! Wild cattle have long made their homes near lakes and rivers, and they sometimes need to cross these bodies of water.

However, cows aren’t fast swimmers and they may struggle in deeper water. If possible, cows prefer to wade in water rather than swim, but they can make their way by swimming if need be.

Comparisons to Other Farm Animals

Now that we know how fast cows can run, just how do these creatures compare to the speed of other farm animals?

Goat

There are a number of different breeds of goats, from smaller domesticated creatures to large mountain goats. In general, goats can reach top speeds of 10-15 miles per hour, though larger breeds may run faster, according to the Oakland Zoo. Goats can also swim if necessary and on average can jump as high as four to five feet.

Sheep

Sheep were one of the first and most successful domesticated animals in the world. These farm animals are incredibly useful for their meat, milk, and fiber which is turned into wool.

Sheep are another surprisingly fast creature. Like cows, they can reach top speeds of 25 miles per hour. Although sheep don’t like to swim, they can do it if necessary to save their lives.

Pig

Pigs are another useful farm animal. Due to their stout size, they probably aren’t thought of as fast, but domestic pigs can actually reach top speeds of 11 miles per hour. Their wild counterpart, the boar can run as fast as 15 miles per hour, according to Unity Farm Sanctuary. Both domestic and wild pigs are excellent swimmers.

Horse

Horses are the fastest farm animals on this list, reaching top speeds of 44 miles per hour. Humans have been using horses as a means of transportation for thousands of years, as these creatures can travel far faster than we can. Horses are also competent swimmers and capable of jumping several feet in the air.

Chicken

Chickens are very common farm animals that are used for their meat and eggs. These little animals typically walk slowly, bobbing their heads as they go. However, chickens can pick up the pace and reach speeds of around 9 miles per hour when running. Surprisingly chickens can also fly, but only for short distances.

Summary of Farm Animal Top Speeds