Kalf

Kalf is the Dutch and Afrikaans term for a young bovine animal, typically a cow that has not yet reached one year of age. The word covers both male and female offspring and is used in farming, dairy, and meat contexts. In Dutch, related terms such as kalfsvlees (veal) and kalverhouderij (calf-rearing) are common. The English cognate is calf, and in German the equivalent word is Kalb. These terms share a common Germanic origin.

In agricultural practice, calves are usually born to dairy or beef cattle. They are typically fed colostrum shortly after birth, then receive a milk-based diet or replacer. Female calves may be kept to join or replenish dairy herds, while male calves are often raised for beef or veal, depending on farming systems and regional practices. The meat from young calves is called kalfsvlees in Dutch and veal in English; national standards and age classifications vary.

Calf-rearing involves appropriate housing, ventilation, nutrition, and welfare considerations. Calves require proper care from birth, including ongoing health monitoring and access to clean water and adequate nutrition until weaning and beyond. The term kalf thus denotes a life stage within cattle production and is distinct from adult cattle.