Male bovines are called “bulls,” until they’re castrated-then they’re called “steers.” Female bovines are called “heifers” until they have a calf, then they’re known as “cows.”

How to determine if cattle are bulls, steers, cows or heifers

If you’re new to the cattle world, keeping bulls, steers, cows and heifers straight is confusing. Even though you once thought that “cow” was a blanket term used for all cattle in all situations, you’ll catch on quickly to the correct terminology.

Bulls

A bull, also known as a sire, is a mature male bovine that is at least 2 years old used for breeding purposes. Bulls are usually not used for meat.

Bulls are not castrated because they have desired traits that producers want to use for breeding. Typically, a sire will produce more calves in its lifetime than a cow, according to Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist John L. Evans, Ph.D., at Oklahoma State University Extension.

Bulls are usually larger than other cattle. Th… Continue Reading (3 minute read)