Moo! Are there terms related to cows that have you confused? Hopefully this list will help. If not, please contact us with your term and we'll try to define it.

Angular

The wedge shape seen in the body conformation of some dairy cows.

Bay

Reddish brown color.

Breed

A genetically pure line having similar conformation and able to produce offspring with the same characteristics.

Brindle

Streaks or spots on a gray or brownish background

Buff

Yellow-reddish color or a light skin color.

Calf

A sexually immature young cow.

Conformation

Body shape.

Cow

A mature female with at least one calf.

Crossbred

The offspring from a dam and sire of different purebred breeds.

Cud

A bolus of regurgitated food.

Dam

Female parent.

Draft

Animal for pulling a plow or cart.

Finching

Colored stripe down the center of the back.

Hand

Four inches.

Hay

Dry forage.

Heifer

A young female cow, especially one that has never had a calf.

Herdbook

The publication of a breed's ancestry and characteristics.

Muley

Hornless cow.

Outcross

The offspring of two animals of the same breed but unrelated.

Overmarking

Small black spots that appear on otherwise all-white cattle.

Oxen

Working cattle, male or female.

Poll

The space between the ears on top of the head.

Purebred

An animal registered in a herd book or eligible for such registration.

Rangy

Long in the body.

Rumen

First stomach.

Ruminate

To chew cud.

Sire

Male parent.

Straw

The plant matter left over after the seeds are removed.

Thrifty

Healthy and vigorous in appearance.

Weanling

A weaned calf.

Withers

The top of the shoulder.

Yearling

Twelve to eighteen months of age.