The Right Names for Farm Animals Cattle Female cattle are called heifers. After they have given birth, they are called cows.
Male cattle are either bulls or steers.
Bull calves that are mature and capable of producing offspring are called bulls. Steers are male cattle that have been neutered and are unable to reproduce. The offspring of a bull and a cow is called a calf. When a cow gives birth, it is called calving. Cows usually give birth to just one calf at a time, but twins are not uncommon.