An ox is a castrated adult male bovine. Therefore, the gender of an ox is male.
Here's a further breakdown:
- Definition: An ox is specifically a male member of the cattle family (bovine), typically Bos taurus, that has been castrated.
- Purpose of Castration: The castration process is done to reduce the animal's testosterone levels. This makes the ox more docile and easier to control for use as a draft animal, particularly for pulling heavy loads or plowing fields.
- Alternative Draught Animals: While oxen are common, female cattle (cows) and intact male cattle (bulls) can also be used for similar purposes, though less frequently due to temperament and other practical considerations.
Therefore, by definition, an ox is a male bovine that has been castrated.
