Ambassador cracking rib over cow, say (9)

I believe the answer is:

herbivore

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'cow say' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'ambassador cracking rib over' is the wordplay.
'ambassador' becomes 'HE' (His or Her Excellency).
'cracking' is an anagram indicator.
'rib'+'over'='ribover'
'ribover' is an anagram of 'rbivore'.
'he'+'rbivore'='HERBIVORE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for herbivore that I've seen before include "Grass-eating animal" , "no meat-eater" , "Plant eater" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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