Cow pies are a common sight in rural areas and are known by various names across the world. In North America, they are commonly known as cow chips, while in the United Kingdom, they are called cow pats. Other aliases include cow flops, cow cakes, and cow dung. While the term cow pie refers to the alkaline droppings of domestic cattle that have been compressed and dried, these alternative names generally mean the same thing. Such synonyms are often used to refer to the bovine excrement used as fertilizer or as a source of energy. Overall, the meanings of these terms are interchangeable, referring to the same product with different names.