The collective term used in farming and technical documents for animals of the bovine species.
Défi Races Bovines
About cattle — vocabulary and breed identification
Understand before identifying
Cattle, cows, bulls, steers, heifers and calves
“Cattle” is the general term for animals of the bovine species. In everyday language, people often say “cows”, but livestock terminology distinguishes cows, heifers, bulls, steers or oxen, and calves.
Essential vocabulary
An adult female that has calved. Before her first calving, she is called a heifer.
An adult uncastrated male, particularly one used for breeding. Bulls often show marked muscular development.
A steer is a castrated male usually raised for beef. The word ox is commonly used for an adult trained as a draught animal.
A young female that has not yet had a calf. She is called a cow after her first calving.
A young bovine animal. “Bull calf” and “heifer calf” may be used when the sex needs to be specified.
Why are there so many cattle breeds?
Cattle breeds developed in different environments, climates and farming systems. Some specialise in dairy or beef production, while others are dual-purpose, hardy, local or adapted to particular uses. Their body shape and history account for much of their diversity.
Three major production types
Breeds selected in particular for milk yield, milk composition and processing into cheese or other dairy products.
Breeds in which selection places an important emphasis on growth, muscling, conformation and carcass traits.
Breeds combining several traits, or kept for hardiness, genetic heritage, landscape management or draught work.
How can a cattle breed be identified?
There is rarely one feature that is sufficient on its own. Identification usually relies on a combination of visible characteristics.
Colour, shades, patches, markings and pigmentation of the muzzle, eye area or extremities.
Shape of the forehead and muzzle, head length, profile, ears, eyes and characteristic markings.
Presence or absence, colour, length, shape and direction; some breeds are naturally polled.
Small, medium or large size, body proportions, height, length and overall refinement or power.
Development of the back, shoulders and hindquarters, and the refinement or thickness of muscle masses.
Bone refinement, stance, hoof colour, lower-leg colour and other visible markings.
Explore further
Cattle Breeds Challenge combines an illustrated encyclopedia with interactive games to help learners identify these features and distinguish one breed from another.