What's the difference between a steer vs. bull? Cow vs. heifer?

Summary

In this informative video, Matt Hardike from Clover Medals Beef answers one of the most common questions about cattle: the difference between heifers, cows, bulls, and steers. He explains that female calves are called heifers until they have their first calf, after which they are called cows. Male calves, or bulls, are usually castrated at around three months to become steers, which makes them less aggressive and ensures higher-quality, milder-tasting meat. Matt provides clear, practical insights into cattle management while sharing a friendly, approachable perspective on farm life, making the video both educational and engaging for viewers.

Takeaways

• 🐄 A female calf is called a heifer until she has her first calf.
• 🐮 Once a heifer has her first calf, she is called a cow.
• 🐂 Male calves are born as bulls.
• ✂️ Most male calves are castrated at around three months old to become steers.
• ⚠️ Bulls are naturally aggressive, which is one reason for castration.
• 🥩 Castrating bulls reduces testosterone, which prevents the meat from having a wild or gamey flavor.
• 🍽️ Steers produce the high-quality, mild-flavored beef commonly served in fine restaurants.
• 👶 First-time mothers can also be referred to as 'first-time heifers.'
• 📍 The video is filmed in the pasture, providing a real-life context of cattle on the farm.
• 💬 The speaker, Matt Hardike from Clover Medals Beef, encourages viewers to ask questions about cattle.

Q & A

What is a heifer?

A heifer is a female calf that has not yet had her first calf.

When does a heifer become a cow?

A heifer becomes a cow after she has her first calf.

What are first-time heifers?

First-time heifers are cows that have had only one calf.

What is a bull?

A bull is a male calf that is born intact (not castrated).

What is a steer?

A steer is a male calf that has been castrated, typically at around three months of age.

Why are most male calves castrated?

Male calves are castrated to reduce aggression and prevent fighting, and to improve meat quality by reducing the gamey flavor caused by testosterone.

How does testosterone affect beef?

High levels of testosterone in bulls can taint the meat, giving it a wild or gamey flavor, which is less desirable for fine dining.

Why is managing bull aggression important?

Bulls are naturally aggressive and will fight if kept together, so castration helps ensure safety for both the animals and handlers.

At what age are most male calves castrated?

Most male calves are castrated at around three months of age.

Who provides the information about cattle in the video?

Matt Hardike of Clover Meadows Beef provides the information and answers common questions about cattle.

Why does the video include lighthearted personal anecdotes?

Including personal anecdotes, like being licked by a cow, makes the content more engaging and relatable for viewers.