Bovine kidney belongs to groove multi-nipple kidney. The right kidney is rectangular, slightly flat from top to bottom, and is located between the 12 intercostals and the ventral side of the transverse process of the second or third lumbar vertebra. The left kidney is triangular, with a small front end and a large blunt back end. Because the mesentery is long and its position is not fixed, it is often affected by rumen.

When the rumen is full, the left kidney crosses the midline of the body to the right and is located below the right kidney. When the rumen is empty, a part of the left kidney is still on the left side. Because the rumen of newborn calves is underdeveloped, the position of the left and right kidneys is almost symmetrical.