For what purpose is cowhide most commonly used?

Cowhide is most commonly used to produce leather, which is prized for its durability, flexibility, and aesthetic qualities. Leather made from cowhide is utilized in a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, accessories, furniture, and automotive interiors. The tanning process applied to cowhide transforms the raw hide into leather, enhancing its properties and making it suitable for various applications.

Other options, while related to agricultural products, do not accurately capture the primary use of cowhide. Paper production involves wood fibers rather than animal hides, and textiles generally refer to materials derived from plant fibers or synthetic sources, not from cowhide. Food production relates to the meats and by-products obtained from cattle, but does not pertain specifically to the use of the hide itself. Therefore, the predominant use of cowhide is indeed for manufacturing leather goods, which underscores why this option is the correct choice.