What is heifer and how does it differ from a cow? We explain the common farming term. <\/p>
Ever heard the word ‘heifer’ and wondered what it meant? It may not sound much like a cow, but that’s what it is \u2013 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… <\/p>
Technically, a heifer isn’t a cow until it has given birth. Only once they have dropped their calf are upgraded to a cow.<\/p>
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. <\/p>
The gestation period is about the same as a human \u2013 nine months \u2013\u00a0and heifers and cows usually give birth to just one calf, although twins are known. <\/p>
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.<\/p>
The word heifer is pronounced ‘heff-er’.<\/p>
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