Department of Animal Science
Oklahoma State University

 

 

What is the scientific name for ________?

With a few exceptions, which are noted below, all breeds will be the same species. For example all domestic chickens will be Gallus domesticus regardless of breed.

Animal Scientific Name
Poultry
Guinea Numida meleagris
Peafowl Phasianidae
Indian Blue Pavo cristatus
Java Green Pavo muticus
Congo Afropavo congensis
Jungle Hen Gallus gallus
Domestic Chicken Gallus domesticus
Wild turkeys Melleagris gallopavo
Japanese Quail Coturnix coturnix japonica
Equine
Horse Equus caballus
Ass or Donkey Equus asinus
Cattle
European Breeds Bos taurus
Tropical Breeds Bos indicus
  There are a number of cattle breeds which exist that are hybrids of Bos taurus and Bos indicus. Examples of them would include the Sanga type cattle from Africa which developed naturally hundreds of years ago and the synthetic breeds developed in the 1900's by crossing.
     
Other Domestic Livestock
  Domestic Sheep Ovis aries
  Domestic Goat Capra hircus
  Domestic Swine Sus scrofa
  Domestic Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
     
Other Species
  Domestic buffalo Babalus babalus
  American Bison Bison bison
  Musk ox Ovibos moschatus
  Reindeer Rangifer tarandus
     

 

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