What is the term for a mature female cattle?

The term for a mature female cattle is "cow." A cow is defined as an adult female of the species Bos taurus, which is commonly raised for milk, meat, or breeding purposes. This designation typically applies once the female has had at least one calf, marking her as a mature adult within the herd.

The other terms refer to different categories of cattle. A steer is a young male that has been castrated and is raised primarily for beef. A heifer is a young female that has not yet had a calf, and once she does, she transitions into the category of a cow. A calf refers to both male and female young cattle, typically under a year old. Understanding these distinctions is important for proper livestock management and terminology in animal husbandry.