A cow reaches adulthood at around 24 months of age. When a cow is one year old, it is considered to be one year of age, and by the time it reaches two years, it is considered an adult. Adult cows can start breeding, and typically, breeding happens shortly after the cow reaches adulthood. The growth period of a cow, or the time it takes to reach adulthood, also depends on the feeding method of the caretaker and the breed of the cow. In general, cows reach adulthood in 2-3 years. If the cow is fed high-quality feed, it can be considered an adult at around two years of age.
1. What Age is a Cow Considered Adult?
An adult cow is one that is around two years old, or approximately 24 months. Typically, the time it takes for a cow to reach adulthood is between 1-3 years, with an average of 2 years. If the feed given by the caretaker contains hormones, it may affect the cow’s growth cycle and cause it to mature earlier, but such cows may not have fully developed bodies. Compared to cows that grow naturally, hormone-treated cows tend to have poorer physical health.
Calves are weaned at 7-9 months old, and sexual maturity occurs around 2-3 years of age, which means it takes approximately 23.5-24 months to reach adulthood. The first year of a calf’s life is its golden growth period. As long as it receives sufficient nutrition and a proper balance of greens, reaching adulthood at 24 months is not a problem. Once the cow reaches sexual maturity, it can begin to breed.
2. At What Age Can Cows Be Bred?
Male bulls can begin breeding at 16-18 months, and female cows (heifers) can begin breeding at 17-18 months. However, sexually mature cows should not be bred immediately. Breeding cows too early can negatively affect the health of the calf and the reproductive health of the cow, as well as shorten the lifespan of the bull.
The specific breeding time should be determined according to the breed of the cow and its development. Generally, breeding occurs later than sexual maturity, and the cow’s weight should be about 70% of its expected adult weight at the time of first breeding. If the cow has reached the appropriate age but has not yet reached the proper weight, the first breeding should be delayed. In general, cows are first bred at around 18 months of age, with a difference of about one month between male and female cows.
