Ox is one of the 12 animals in Chinese Zodiac that represents 12 branches of the earth in Chinese culture. Although the animal is a common sight in our daily lives, some of their hidden and interesting traits are rarely known. Here are some that you might find interesting:

1. Multi stomachs

The Ox has four stomachs, yet only one generates gastric juice, one of the key elements that helps with digestion. The food that enters the other three stomachs will be softened and ferment before returning back into the mouth to be chewed again. 

2. About dairy cattle

Not all dairy cattle produce milk, females do and males don't. However, the cow is not born to produce milk. It also needs to give birth to a calf to produce milk. The time of producing milk in a year is as long as 300 days!

It is hard to find out the origin of Chinese Zodiac, why these 12 animals are in this order as opposed to others. One of the more widely accepted speculations are that in olden times, people were prone to use the images of certain animals as the symbol of gods that were supposedly powerful enough to protect them from any natural disaster or misfortune.

The 12 animals can be divided into the category in which animals have been domesticated by humans for agricultural purposes and the one in which beasts have been feared and worshiped by people.

Nowadays, people are believed to carry the characters of the corresponding animals of their birth year. For instance, most born in the year of the ox are regarded as a symbol of diligence, sincerity, loyalty, and stubbornness, similar characteristics cattle appear to have.

About The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being related to an animal sign. These signs in order are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

But how much do you know about these animals and their symbolic meanings in the Chinese Zodiac? Follow the series to find out.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)