His statement, “or cattle for ploughing”: in earlier times, ploughing was done with cattle. Several oxen would be yoked together and move in a single direction, then return in another direction, until the soil was loosened.

If cattle are hired for ploughing, the land must be known, since land differs in hardness and softness, moisture and dryness. Its dimensions, length and width, must also be known, so that the benefit may be fully received in a defined manner that leaves no room for dispute.

If cattle are hired for riding, the jurists say that it is permissible to use an animal for something other than its customary use. Thus, it is permissible to ride a cow or a buffalo. In any case, if it is hired for this purpose and this is customary practice, there is nothing wrong with it.

His statement, “or for threshing crops”: nowadays crops are threshed by machines—machines that separate the grain from its husk and stalk. In earlier times, however, the grain would be gathered together with its husk and stalk, then the cattle would come and tread upon it until the grain was purified. If they are hired for threshing, either the quantity or the duration must be known. Knowing the duration suffices in place of knowing the quantity, because time is fixed by the hour and threshing does not vary. At most, the cattle go round and round until they crush the ear of grain.

If cattle are hired for watering—that is, to draw water from the well and irrigate the crops with it—this is permissible. However, the water-skin used for irrigation must be known, because a large water-skin is more strenuous for them. It must therefore be specified, lest a dispute arise.