What is the term for mature female cattle?

The term for mature female cattle is "cow." In the context of cattle terminology, a cow is specifically an adult female that has given birth to at least one calf. This distinguishes her from heifers, which are young female cattle that have not yet calved. Understanding this distinction is important for animal husbandry practices, as the terminology related to cattle reflects their age, reproductive status, and purpose within agricultural settings. This clarity helps in managing the breeding and care of livestock appropriately.