What is a young female bovine commonly referred to as?

A young female bovine is commonly referred to as a heifer. This term specifically designates female cattle that have not yet borne a calf. Understanding the terminology used in livestock rearing is crucial for anyone involved in agriculture, particularly in the cattle industry.

The term "calf" refers to a young bovine of either sex that is typically under the age of one year, so it is broader than just female or male. "Cow" specifically denotes a mature female that has already given birth to at least one calf, indicating she has passed beyond the young female stage. "Steer," on the other hand, identifies a castrated male bovine, which is also not appropriate when discussing young females.

Thus, the choice of "heifer" accurately reflects the specific classification of young females in bovine terminology.