Calves

Calves can refer to two related but distinct things. In animal husbandry, a calf is a young bovine; in anatomy, the calf is the back portion of the lower leg composed mainly of two muscles. The term is also used for the young of some other large mammals, such as elephants and whales.

Calves in cattle are typically born after a gestation of about 280 days. They are commonly weaned at six to eight weeks in dairy operations, though beef calves may remain with mothers longer. A male calf is called a bull calf, one that is female a heifer calf; both sexes may be kept for breeding or raised for meat or dairy. Management includes colostrum feeding, vaccination, and gradual introduction to solid foods.

The calf muscles in the leg consist of the gastrocnemius (with medial and lateral heads) and the soleus. These muscles form the posterior calf and connect to the Achilles tendon, enabling plantar flexion. They are essential for standing, walking, and running. Strains or tears can occur with sudden acceleration or overexertion, and proper stretching and conditioning help prevent injury.

Calves are a major component of cattle agriculture. Dairy industries rely on calves for herd replacement and dairy production, while beef sectors raise calves for meat. The management, nutrition, and housing of calves influence growth, health, and productivity across farming systems.