Livestock Terminology

Cattle Bull – a male bovine of any age that has not been castrated. Steer – a male bovine animal that was castrated before reaching maturity.

Cattle Cow – a female bovine that has had one or more calves Heifer – a female bovine that has not had a calf Veal – calves younger than three months of age sold for slaughter.

Swine Boar – a male swine that has not been castrated. Barrow – a male swine castrated while young, in which physical traits of the boar have not developed.

Swine Sow – an older female swine that has farrowed or is showing signs of pregnancy. Gilt – a young female swine that has not farrowed and is not showing any signs of pregnancy.

Sheep Ram – a male sheep or lamb that has not been castrated. Wether – a male sheep that has been castrated before reaching maturity.

Sheep Ewe – a female sheep or lamb.

Equine Stallion – a mature male horse four years of age or older. Gelding – a male horse that has been castrated. Colt – a male horse less than three years of age.

Equine Mare – a mature female horse, four years of age or older. Filly – a female horse under three years of age. Foal – a young horse of either gender up to one year of age.

Poultry Rooster – a male of domestic poultry. Cockerel - a young male Hen – a female of domestic poultry. Capon – a male chicken that has been surgically castrated.

Dairy Dry Cow – a cow that has calved once and is not producing milk Dry Period – a non lactating period between lactating periods

Dairy Fresh (Freshen) – a cow that has recently given birth to a calf

Horse/Equine Bovine/Beef Poultry Bovine/Dairy Sheep Swine/Hogs