What is a Female Cow Called?

A female cow is called a ‘cow.’ The term ‘cow’ specifically refers to an adult female that has had at least one calf. Young female cows that have not yet had a calf are often referred to as ‘heifers.’ Once a heifer has her first calf, she is then called a cow. This distinction is important in farming and animal husbandry to differentiate between young females and those that are mature and capable of producing milk.