Cattle are considered sacred in various world religions; most notably Hinduism; Jainism; Buddhism; Zoroastrianism as well as the religions of Ancient Egypt; Ancient Greece; and Ancient Rome. In some regions; especially India; the slaughter of cattle may be prohibited and their meat may be taboo.

In Hinduism; Kamadhenu; the miraculous 'cow of plenty' and the 'mother of cows' is believed to represent the generic sacred cow; regarded as the source of all prosperity. All the gods are believed to reside in her body; a form of Kamadhenu often depicted in poster art.