calving
zoology
Quick Summary
Witness the birth and first steps of a newborn giraffe at Greenville Zoo, South Carolina
The birth of a giraffe at the Greenville Zoo, South Carolina, 2012; the video also shows the calf's first steps.
In zoology, "calving" refers to the process of an animal giving birth to its offspring, most commonly used for cattle. It can also refer more broadly to the production of offspring in general. This term is also used for ice masses when a part breaks off.1
In beef cattle management, calving is strategically timed, often in spring, to coincide with abundant, high-quality pasture forages. Calves are typically weaned around eight to ten months of age, as cows produce less milk and need to recover before their next pregnancy.2
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