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A calf is the young of a domestic cow. The term can also refer to the young of other large mammals like elephants or whales. The hide of a young calf is also called calf, and it is used to make calfskin. In cattle management, calves are typically weaned at eight to ten months old, as cows produce less milk past this stage and need to recover before their next pregnancy. Beef cows are usually bred for the first time between 15 and 18 months of age, with a gestation period of about 283 days, aiming to produce a calf every year.12

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