Heifers

A heifer is a young female bovine that has not yet calved. The term is used in cattle production to distinguish females that have not produced a calf from cows, which are females that have borne at least one calf. In common practice, a heifer becomes a cow after its first calving.

Age, development, and breeding are key considerations in managing heifers. Dairy heifers are typically bred at about 13 to 15 months of age and are expected to calve around 24 months, though the exact timing varies with breed, management goals, and growth rates. Beef heifers may be bred later or earlier depending on the intended production system and the availability of forage and concentrate feeds. The goal of development programs is to achieve adequate body size and body condition for productive calving while avoiding calving difficulties.

Management and nutrition are central to heifer development. Producers monitor growth performance, use body condition scoring, and adjust diets to promote steady weight gain and healthy development. Vaccination programs, parasite control, and routine veterinary care contribute to herd health and successful reproduction. Fertility management, including detection of heat, use of artificial insemination or natural service, and pregnancy verification, is essential for optimal calving intervals.

In production systems, heifers serve as future dairy cows in milk-producing herds or as breeding stock in beef operations. Their growth, health, and reproductive performance influence the profitability and sustainability of cattle enterprises.