A heifer is a young female cow that has not yet given birth to a calf. Typically, heifers are raised for their future role in dairy or beef production. They are usually kept until they reach maturity, at which point they can be bred to produce calves. Heifers are an important part of livestock farming, contributing to the growth of herds. Farmers often monitor their health and nutrition closely to ensure they develop properly. The term is commonly used in agriculture, particularly in relation to dairy farming and beef cattle production.