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A baby cow is called a calf. This term applies to both male and female young cattle until they are weaned or reach about one year of age. The name helps differentiate young cows from mature ones in farming, veterinary care, and livestock management.
Understanding Cattle Terminology
To better understand the terminology used for cows at different stages of life, here’s a helpful table:
| Term | Meaning |
| Calf | A baby cow, either male or female |
| Bull Calf | A young male calf |
| Heifer Calf | A young female calf |
| Heifer | A female cow that has not yet had a calf |
| Cow | A mature female that has had at least one calf |
| Bull | A mature male used for breeding |
| Steer | A castrated male calf raised for beef |
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FAQs About Baby Cows
A calf is typically considered a baby until it is weaned, which usually occurs between 6 to 8 months of age. After that, the terminology changes depending on gender and reproductive status.
No, twin calves are still called calves. However, it is interesting to note that if a male and female twin are born together, the female may be sterile due to a condition known as freemartinism.
Newborn calves drink colostrum (the mother’s first milk) for the first few hours, which is vital for immunity. They then transition to milk or milk replacer and are later introduced to solid feeds like hay and grains.
Yes, especially heifer calves. They are often raised to become milk-producing cows, while bull calves may be raised for beef or breeding.
