Once a heifer has a calf, she is called what?

When a heifer has a calf, she is referred to as a cow. This term signifies that she has matured enough to give birth and is no longer considered a heifer, which is a young female bovine that has not yet had a calf. The transition from heifer to cow indicates a significant stage in her maturation and reproductive status.

In the context of beef production, recognizing a heifer's status change upon having her first calf is important for management practices, breeding decisions, and herd classification. A cow will typically be integrated into the breeding program, contributing to the herd's productivity.