What Is a Calf?
A calf is a baby in the cattle family. It has soft hair and four legs.
Farmers give calves milk, clean water, warmth, dry shelter and room to move.
Calf
A calf is a baby in the cattle family. It has soft hair, long legs and four small hooves. A calf stays close to its mother.
Fun Facts About Calves
- A calf is a baby in the cattle family.
- A calf's mother is called a cow.
- Most calves stand and walk soon after birth.
- A calf makes a gentle moo sound.
Growing, Eating, and Moving
- At first: drinks milk and stays warm
- As it grows: drinks water and begins to eat grass
- Movement: stands, walks, runs and plays
- Sound: moos
Easy Practice Sentences
Easy: I see a calf.
Medium: The calf walks beside its mother.
Challenge: The calf walks across the green field.
Say each sentence aloud and point to the picture.
Activity Idea
Make a happy calf picture.
- Draw a calf with four long legs.
- Add two ears, a nose and a tail.
- Draw its mother standing nearby.
- Tell a grown-up what sound the calf makes.
This activity helps children draw, speak and learn about calves.
Calf Body Parts
- Nose: helps a calf smell
- Ears: help a calf hear
- Coat: soft hair on its body
- Hooves: help a calf stand and walk
- Tail: helps swish away flies
Look and Think
- What colour is the calf?
- Can you point to its ears?
- Can you count four legs?
- Can you find its tail?
Learning Safely Around Calves
- Stay with a grown-up.
- Be calm and quiet near calves.
- Do not chase a calf.
- Ask before touching or feeding one.
- Wash your hands after visiting a farm and before eating.
Compare and Think
- Calf and cow: a calf is a baby. A cow is grown up.
- Calf and lamb: a calf is baby cattle. A lamb is a baby sheep.
- Calf and chick: a calf has hair. A chick has feathers.
Calf Words to Learn
- Calf: a baby in the cattle family
- Cow: a calf's mother
- Bull: a grown-up male in the cattle family
- Herd: a group of cattle
- Moo: the sound a calf makes
Check understanding
Quick Questions
Say each answer aloud. Then check it with a grown-up.
Q1
What is a calf?
Answer
A calf is baby cattle.
Q2
What is a calf’s mother called?
Answer
Its mother is a cow.
Q3
What sound can a calf make?
Answer
A calf can moo.
Q4
What are a calf’s feet called?
Answer
They are called hooves.