What is heifer and how does it differ from a cow? We explain the common farming term.

By countryfile

Published: Monday, 06 November 2023 at 09:13 AM


Ever heard the word ‘heifer’ and wondered what it meant? It may not sound much like a cow, but that’s what it is – a member of the bovine family. Or, to be more precise, a heifer is a female cow, beef or dairy, that hasn’t given birth to a calf. Actually, that’s not quite right either…

Technically, a heifer isn’t a cow until it has given birth. Only once they have dropped their calf are upgraded to a cow.

Female calves are known as ‘heifer calves’ and a pregnant heifer is called a ‘bred heifer’, while one that is about to give birth is called – rather aptly – a ‘springing heifer’. They usually give birth to their first calf when they are two years old.

The gestation period is about the same as a human – nine months – and heifers and cows usually give birth to just one calf, although twins are known.

If it’s a dairy heifer giving birth, the calf is usually removed from its mother within 24 hours; if it’s a beef calf, it stays with its mother until it’s weaned at about six months.

The word heifer is pronounced ‘heff-er’.


Main image: beef heifer/Credit: Getty