What is a cow in cattle terminology?

In cattle terminology, a cow specifically refers to a female bovine that has had at least one calf. This definition is critical in the context of beef production and cattle management because it differentiates cows from heifers, which are female bovines that have not calved yet. Understanding this distinction is important for various agricultural practices, including breeding management and herd classification. Collecting accurate data on the number of cows in a herd, as opposed to young heifers or males, allows farmers to make informed decisions regarding reproduction, nutrition, and overall herd health. The other options pertain to different classifications within cattle, but they do not accurately describe what a cow is in cattle terminology.