In the world of miniature cattle, understanding the language of livestock is crucial. This is why Kelly Anderson and Becky Kochick are diving into Livestock Lingo. These are essential terms every aspiring mini cow owner should know. From deciphering the difference between a heifer and a cow to understanding what it means when a calf is “weaned,” this episode is your go-to guide for speaking like a seasoned pro.

Key Terms Explained:

Cow vs. Heifer: A cow is a female bovine that has had a calf, while a heifer has not.

Bull and Steer: A bull is an intact male, whereas a steer is a castrated male, often kept as a pet.

Calf and Yearling: A calf is a young bovine under a year old, transitioning to a yearling in its first year of life.

Herd and Fold: A group of cattle is called a herd, but in the Highland community, it’s known as a fold.

Weaning: This process involves separating calves from their mothers, typically around five to six months, to prepare them for independent life.

Halter Breaking: Teaching cattle to be led by a halter is essential for handling and showing.

Do you know what scours is? If you ever have a calf this is important! See the different types of scours in calves below. Photo edit to Calf Distinction

Breeding Terms: Understanding terms like “polled” (naturally hornless) and “dehorned” (horns removed) is vital for making informed breeding decisions. Listen to our great episode on Polled Vs. Horned Podcast

 See our detailed  Livestock Lingo Key Terms PDF.Livestock Lingo