Useful Cows
by rolikdoesmc
Useful Cows is a Forge mod for 1.12.2 that replaces plain cows with 33 variants, each dropping a specific resource when it dies.
What it does
Plain cows are left unchanged by vanilla play, and the mod sets out to give them a purpose. Useful Cows adds 33 unique cow types, and each one drops a particular item on death, such as cobblestone, coal, iron or diamonds. Some variants have further effects: the Redstone Cow emits redstone particles, the Glowstone Cow gives off light, and the Sponge Cow absorbs a configured amount of water.
Several cows carry defensive traits. The Quartz Cow is immune to fire, and the Obsidian Cow is immune to explosions and fire. The Pink Cow and Hallowen Cow are cosmetic or ceremonial variants, with the Hallowen Cow needing a diamond to be right-clicked. Cow-related griefing, such as cows trampling crops, can be switched on or off in the config, and some cows can be set to attack players.
The mod is published for Forge on 1.12.2 only, with the 1.0.5 build dated 2024-02-15. The server and every player need the mod installed. The code is not open source and is released under All rights reserved.
Key features
Resource-dropping cows
Each cow variant drops a fixed resource on death, from cobblestone and coal to diamonds and emeralds.
Special cow traits
Some variants emit particles or light, absorb water or resist fire and explosions, adding effects beyond the drop.
Experience Cow interaction
Right-clicking the Experience Cow with an empty bottle or bucket yields experience bottles or an experience bucket.
Configurable behaviour
Options cover crop trampling, cow griefing, attacks on players and smart cow door opening.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Resource farming
Players can collect cobblestone, iron, gold or diamonds from cow farms instead of mining for them.
Adventure and ceremonial play
Cosmetic variants such as the Pink Cow and Hallowen Cow give map makers and players extra creatures for themed builds.
Who it’s for: Players who want cows to yield resources, and server owners who want to tune cow behaviour through the config.
How it compares
The ultimate CowMod is a Forge mod for 1.20.1 that is not open source and is released under the MIT License. Dimension Cows is Forge-only for 1.20.1 and is licensed as All rights reserved, so it is closer to this mod in license while targeting a later version.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Useful Cows | Forge | 1.12.2 | Client and server | 2024-02-15 |
| The ultimate CowMod | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2024-08-21 |
| Dimension Cows | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2025-01-31 |
Questions
Does Useful Cows need Forge?
Does the server need Useful Cows?
Can cow griefing be turned off?
More from rolikdoesmc
What the author says
Plain old minecraft cows are boring and useless? Say no more! Useful Cows[Much More Cows ] Mod adds 33 unique cows, each of those drop specific resource or have a unique twist in them! Every cow will now break crops (if mob griefing will be on) and if enabled in config will attack players! Cobblestone Cow - Drops…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/useful-cows
- Owner
- rolikdoesmc
- Published
- 2024-02-15
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2024-02-15
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15