Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Calf

Calf most commonly refers to the young of domestic cattle or other bovine species. It may also refer to: Detailed information on calves as young animals is covered in the Zoology section.

Zoology

Bovine calves

A bovine calf refers to the young of domestic cattle (Bos taurus), encompassing both sexes from birth until weaning or approximately one year of age.^[1] This period marks the transition from complete dependence on maternal milk to partial rumination and solid feed intake, with definitions varying slightly by production system—dairy calves often weaned earlier than beef calves.^[2] At birth, bovine calves typically weigh 60–100 pounds (27–45 kg), depending on breed; for example, Holstein dairy calves average 90–100 pounds, while Jersey calves average 60 pounds with a range of 42–72 pounds.^[3] Newborns are initially unable to stand independently, with most achieving this within 30 minutes, though some may take up to two hours, requiring maternal or human assistance to nurse.^[4] Growth is rapid during the neonatal phase, with calves often doubling their birth weight by 60 days of age through high milk intake and emerging rumen function.^[5] Bovine calf development progresses through distinct life stages: the neonatal period (first week), characterized by total reliance on colostrum for passive immunity and energy; the suckling phase (up to 6–8 weeks in dairy systems or 7–8 months in beef systems), where calves consume milk while the rumen develops via starter feeds; and weaning, a gradual 1–2 week transition to solid diets like hay and concentrates to avoid digestive upset and growth setbacks.^[6]^[7] In dairy operations, weaning occurs when calves consume at least 1 kg of starter daily, ensuring rumen maturity.^[8] Breeding and birth in cattle involve a gestation period averaging 283 days, influenced by breed, calf sex, and prior selection history.^[9] The calving process unfolds in three stages: preparatory (2–6 hours, involving cervical dilation and membrane rupture), delivery (30–90 minutes, with fetal expulsion via uterine contractions), and placental expulsion (6–12 hours).^[10] Dystocia, or difficult calving, affects 5–13% of births, particularly in first-calf heifers, due to fetal malposition or oversized calves, increasing risks of injury and infection.^[10] Post-birth, colostrum intake within 2–12 hours is vital, providing approximately 150-200 g of immunoglobulins (IgG) to bolster immunity against pathogens.^[8] Care practices for bovine calves emphasize hygiene, nutrition, and monitoring to promote health. Newborns are housed in individual hutches or pens (providing 28–32 ft² per calf) to minimize disease transmission, with hutches offering protection from weather and drafts.^[11] Vaccination schedules typically begin at 2–4 months with clostridial (7–8 way) and respiratory vaccines (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV), followed by boosters at weaning.^[12] A primary health challenge is scours (diarrhea), often caused by infectious agents like rotavirus or E. coli, which can be prevented through maternity pen sanitation, early colostrum feeding, navel disinfection with chlorhexidine, and isolating sick calves while providing electrolytes.^[8]^[13] Historically, domestic cattle and their calves trace origins to the wild aurochs (Bos primigenius), domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Near East through two primary events leading to taurine and indicine lineages.^[14]^[15] Selective breeding since the Neolithic period has reduced overall body size from aurochs (up to 1,800 pounds) and tailored calf traits: dairy breeds like Holsteins yield smaller, faster-maturing calves optimized for milk systems, while beef breeds like Angus produce larger calves for enhanced meat growth potential.^[16]

Calves in other species

The term "calf" originates from Old English cealf, a Common Germanic word derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *gelh₂- meaning "to swell," initially referring to the young of bovine animals due to the swelling associated with pregnancy.^[17]^[18] Over time, the term extended by analogy to the young of other large mammals, particularly those with similar reproductive traits to cattle, such as extended gestation periods and substantial birth sizes.^[17] This nomenclature applies to the offspring of various non-bovine species, including elephants, cetaceans like whales, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses. Elephant calves, for instance, are born after a gestation of approximately 22 months, weighing up to 250 pounds (113 kg) and standing about 3 feet (1 m) tall at birth.^[19]^[20] Blue whale calves emerge after 10–12 months of gestation, measuring 20–25 feet (6–7.6 m) in length and weighing 4,000–6,000 pounds (1,800–2,700 kg).^[21] Rhinoceros calves, depending on the species, follow a 15–18 month gestation and weigh 88–143 pounds (40–65 kg) at birth. Hippopotamus calves are born after an 8-month (227–240 day) gestation, typically weighing 55–120 pounds (25–55 kg).^[22] Across these species, calf development varies between precocial and more dependent (semi-altricial) patterns, reflecting adaptations to their environments. Elephant calves exemplify precociality, standing and walking within minutes to hours of birth to keep pace with the herd, though they remain nutritionally reliant on maternal milk for up to two years.^[23] In contrast, whale calves, such as those of baleen species, are mobile at birth—capable of swimming immediately—but exhibit prolonged dependence on milk, nursing for 6–12 months while gaining hundreds of pounds weekly to support rapid growth in marine habitats.^[24]^[21] Conservation efforts highlight the vulnerability of these calves in endangered populations, where their survival critically influences species dynamics. For North Atlantic right whales, a critically endangered cetacean, calf mortality exceeds 50% in recent years due to threats like vessel strikes, with around 10-15 calves born in recent calving seasons (e.g., 11 in 2024-2025) against a need for at least 50 to stabilize the population of approximately 370-380 individuals as of 2025.^[25]^[26]^[27] Ship strikes alone account for up to 20% of documented right whale deaths, often targeting calves during migration, underscoring their role as population bottlenecks.^[28] Culturally, non-bovine calves hold symbolic value in various traditions, particularly elephant calves in Asian folklore. In Hindu and Buddhist narratives, such as those in Vaishnavism, elephant calves represent innocence, familial bonds, and humble strength, often depicted as embodiments of divine protection and the challenges of growth within supportive herds.^[29] These motifs appear in Southeast Asian myths, where white elephant calves signify auspicious births and royal lineage, reinforcing elephants' status as symbols of prosperity and community.^[20]

Anatomy

Structure of the human calf

The human calf, also known as the sura, refers to the muscular region of the posterior lower leg situated between the knee and the ankle, primarily comprising the posterior compartment of the leg.^[30] This area is dominated by two major muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus, which together form the triceps surae group and are essential components of the leg's structural framework.^[30] The gastrocnemius is the superficial, bi-articular muscle of the calf, consisting of two heads—the medial and lateral—that originate from the posterior aspects of the medial and lateral femoral condyles, respectively.^[30] It crosses both the knee and ankle joints, inserting via the Achilles tendon. The soleus lies deeper and is mono-articular, originating from the posterior surfaces of the tibia and fibula, as well as the tendinous arch between them, and also converging into the Achilles tendon.^[30] A smaller accessory muscle, the plantaris, contributes to the calf's composition; it arises from the lateral supracondylar line of the femur and features a long, slender tendon that runs alongside the Achilles tendon, though it is absent in approximately 10% of individuals.^[30] Supporting structures integral to the calf include the Achilles tendon, a robust fibrous cord that unites the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles and inserts onto the calcaneus (heel bone), providing a critical connection for force transmission.^[30] The deep fascia encases the posterior compartment, dividing the leg into distinct muscular sections and contributing to overall stability.^[30] Innervation is supplied by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve originating from spinal segments S1 and S2, which provides motor supply to the calf muscles and sensory branches like the sural nerve.^[30] Blood supply derives from the posterior tibial artery, which branches from the popliteal artery and nourishes the region through perforating vessels.^[30] Anatomical variations in the calf include differences in muscle fiber composition, with the soleus predominantly consisting of slow-twitch (type I) fibers for endurance (approximately 70-85%), while the gastrocnemius features a more balanced mix of slow-twitch and fast-twitch (type II) fibers (around 50% slow-twitch).^[31]^[32]^[33] Sex differences are evident, as males typically exhibit a larger cross-sectional area of calf muscles, such as the gastrocnemius, compared to females, influenced by factors like overall body size and hormonal profiles.^[34] Embryologically, the calf muscles originate from the mesoderm during lower limb development, which begins around the fourth week of gestation with the formation of limb buds.^[30] By weeks 8 to 10, the limb structures differentiate, with the gastrocnemius specifically deriving from the paraxial mesoderm in the post-otic region, establishing the basic muscular patterns of the posterior leg.^[35] In adults, calf circumference serves as a proxy for muscle mass assessment, with typical values ranging from 34-36 cm for women and 35-38 cm for men, varying by genetics, activity level, and ethnicity; population studies report averages varying by ethnicity and age, for example, in US adults approximately 39 cm for men and 38 cm for women (NHANES), while in older Asian cohorts around 35-36 cm.^[36]^[37]^[38]

Function and disorders

The calf muscles, primarily the gastrocnemius and soleus, play a crucial role in locomotion by facilitating plantarflexion, the action of pointing the foot downward, which is essential for pushing off during gait cycles in walking and running. These muscles also assist in knee flexion, helping to bend the knee joint during activities like climbing stairs or sprinting. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to shock absorption, contributing significantly to propulsion force in the lower limb during dynamic movements such as jumping or accelerating. Biomechanically, the calf muscles support venous return through their muscle pump action, where rhythmic contractions compress the deep veins of the leg to propel blood upward against gravity and prevent pooling, which is vital for cardiovascular health during prolonged standing or exercise. They also aid in maintaining balance and stability in upright posture by counteracting forward sway and stabilizing the ankle joint. Common disorders affecting the calf include Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon often resulting from overuse, characterized by pain and stiffness exacerbated by dorsiflexion (pulling the foot upward). Calf strains, ranging from grade 1 (mild overstretching) to grade 3 (complete tears), frequently occur due to sudden acceleration or eccentric loading, leading to sharp pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Another prevalent condition is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in the calf's deep veins, often linked to immobility or hypercoagulability, potentially causing unilateral swelling, warmth, and risk of embolization if untreated. Diagnosis typically involves clinical assessment combined with imaging; for instance, ultrasound is the gold standard for proximal DVT with sensitivity over 95%, but sensitivity for isolated calf DVT is lower, around 57%. Treatment for calf strains often follows the RICE protocol—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—to reduce inflammation and promote healing, with physical therapy for rehabilitation. Achilles tendinitis may require eccentric strengthening exercises, while severe ruptures, with incidence increasing with age to around 20-30 per 100,000 annually in adults over 40 and higher in athletes, sometimes necessitate surgical repair followed by immobilization.^[39] Prevention strategies emphasize regular stretching routines to maintain flexibility and reduce strain risk, as inadequate warm-ups can increase injury susceptibility by up to 30%. Proper footwear that supports neutral alignment also minimizes excessive calf loading during repetitive activities. Epidemiologically, calf injuries show higher incidence among runners, affecting up to 20% annually, particularly in those increasing mileage rapidly. Age-related atrophy, known as sarcopenia, leads to a progressive decline in calf muscle mass by approximately 1-2% per year after age 50, impairing function and elevating fall risk.

Glaciology

Ice calving process

Ice calving, also known as iceberg calving, refers to the mechanical detachment of ice masses from the terminus of glaciers, ice shelves, or floating extensions of ice sheets into surrounding water bodies, resulting in fragments termed ice calves or icebergs. This process is a primary mechanism of mass loss for marine-terminating glaciers and contributes significantly to global sea level rise by transferring ice directly into the ocean.^[40] Calving occurs through several distinct types, each driven by specific environmental and glaciological conditions. Tidal calving is modulated by fluctuations in sea level due to tidal cycles, which induce bending stresses at the grounding line and accelerate ice velocity by up to 4% for every 1% change in water depth.^[41] Thermal calving involves undercutting at the ice-water interface, where warmer ocean water melts the submerged portion of the glacier front, forming notches that can deepen at rates of 10-30 cm per day and destabilize the overlying ice.^[41] Mechanical calving, the most prevalent type, arises from internal stresses leading to crevasse propagation, where fractures extend through the ice under tensile forces until reaching the waterline, triggering detachment. The physical processes underlying calving begin with stress accumulation from the glacier's forward motion, primarily driven by basal sliding rates typically ranging from 10 to 100 m per year in tidewater settings, which concentrates strain at the terminus.^[42] This leads to fracture initiation at surface or basal crevasses, where tensile stresses exceed the ice's tensile strength, allowing cracks to propagate vertically and horizontally; models like those of Nye (1957) estimate crevasse depths based on local strain rates.^[41] Once detached, the falling ice calf generates splashes, waves, and underwater pressure pulses that can further fracture adjacent ice, amplifying the event.^[43] Contributing environmental factors include climate warming, which has accelerated calving rates by approximately 20% since the 1980s through enhanced surface melting that lubricates basal sliding and increases crevasse water pressure.^[44] Ocean currents play a key role by delivering warmer water to glacier fronts, promoting thermal undercutting and basal melt that reduces buttressing support.^[41] These factors interact with glacier geometry, such as water depth and fjord width, to modulate calving frequency and magnitude. Notable global examples illustrate the scale of calving events. In Antarctica, the 2002 collapse of the Larsen B Ice Shelf involved rapid disintegration and calving of approximately 2,717 km² of ice over a few weeks, driven by surface ponding and hydrofracturing.^[45] In Greenland, tidewater glaciers contribute an average annual frontal ablation volume of approximately 510 Gt (2010–2020), accounting for about half of the ice sheet's total mass loss.^[46] Monitoring calving relies on satellite imagery, such as Landsat missions, which capture terminus positions and event extents with resolutions sufficient to detect changes over days to weeks.^[47] Seismic networks complement this by detecting precursory cracks and calving impacts through ground vibrations, enabling real-time alerts for large events.

Characteristics of ice calves

Ice calves, the detached ice fragments from glacier termini, exhibit a broad range of physical attributes. They span sizes from small bergy bits, typically under 5 m in height and 5–15 m in length, to massive tabular icebergs over 100 m thick and kilometers across. These structures consist primarily of freshwater ice with a density of approximately 917 kg/m³, significantly lower than seawater's 1025 kg/m³, resulting in roughly 89% submersion and only 11% exposure above the surface.^[48]^[49]^[50] The morphology of ice calves varies based on calving conditions. Dry calving, occurring in air without water contact, produces irregular, jagged shapes due to brittle fracture. In contrast, wet calving into water yields flatter, more tabular forms with smoother tops, often from ice shelf edges. Post-detachment, calves may flip or roll due to uneven density distribution or wave action, altering their orientation and exposing new surfaces.^[51]^[52] Once afloat, ice calves' stability and drift are governed by environmental forces. Wind, typically at speeds of 10–20 km/h in polar regions, imparts about 2% of its velocity to the calf, while ocean currents dominate longer-term movement, yielding average drift speeds of 0.2–0.8 m/s. In ocean waters, their persistence is limited by melting, with summer rates of 0.5–2 m/day at the surface and higher basal ablation, leading to half-lives of weeks to months depending on size and location.^[53] Ecologically, ice calves foster unique habitats by shading waters and releasing nutrient-rich meltwater, supporting marine biodiversity such as Antarctic krill aggregations beneath their edges for refuge from predators. However, they pose significant hazards to shipping, as exemplified by the 1912 collision of the RMS Titanic with a calf-derived iceberg, which caused the vessel's sinking and over 1,500 deaths.^[54]^[55] Measurement of ice calves relies on advanced remote sensing and classification systems. Radar altimetry, such as from CryoSat-2 or TanDEM-X, enables volume estimation by mapping surface topography and inferring submerged portions via density contrasts. Visual and size-based classification follows International Ice Patrol scales, categorizing calves by height (e.g., bergy bits 1–5 m) and length for hazard assessment.^[56] As of the 2010s, observations indicated heightened calving activity linked to Arctic amplification, where regional warming exceeds global averages, accelerating ice loss. At Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland's fastest-flowing glacier, flow speeds had increased by approximately 50–150% since 2000, contributing to front retreat rates exceeding 10 km and speeds doubling to over 17 km/year (as of 2012).^[57]^[58] However, speeds at Jakobshavn slowed after 2015, with the Greenland Ice Sheet experiencing variable annual mass loss, including a low of 55 Gt in 2024 due to above-average snowfall, though long-term dynamic losses from calving persist.^[59]

Proper names

Geographical locations

The name "Calf" in geographical locations often derives from Old Norse kálfr, referring to a young bovine or, in topographic contexts, a rounded hill resembling the shape of a calf's leg, reflecting Scandinavian influences on place names in regions like the British Isles.^[17] One prominent example is the Calf of Man, an uninhabited island of approximately 2.5 square kilometers located off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, separated by the narrow Calf Sound. This rugged, low-lying island reaches a highest point of 128 meters and serves as a key nature reserve managed by Manx National Heritage, hosting significant seabird colonies including Manx shearwaters and providing habitat for seals and other marine life. Historically, the island supported hermits, monks, farmers, and lighthouse keepers until the mid-20th century. The surrounding Calf of Man and Wart Bank area was designated a Marine Nature Reserve in 2018, with conservation efforts emphasizing protection of breeding seabirds and wetlands, aligning with international standards under the Ramsar Convention framework since initial proposals in the early 2000s. Access is restricted to guided visits from April to September via boat from Port St Mary, with coordinates at approximately 54°03′N 04°49′W, to minimize disturbance to wildlife.^[60]^[61]^[62] In the United Kingdom, several hills bear the name "Calf," often linked to the Old Norse topographic sense. The Calf in the Howgill Fells, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, stands at 676 meters and is the highest point in this upland area of north-west England, offering panoramic views and popular hiking routes such as the 13-kilometer circuit from Sedbergh, which includes a 860-meter elevation gain. Nearby, Calf Top, at 610 meters on Middleton Fell near Sedbergh, marks the boundary between Cumbria and North Yorkshire and was reclassified as a mountain in 2016 after precise surveying confirmed its height just above the 610-meter threshold, making it a notable unnamed fell in local lore until its recognition. These sites attract hikers for their grassy summits and remote moorland paths, with Calf Top accessible via trails from Barbon or Dentdale.^[63]^[64]^[65] Across the Atlantic, Calf Island lies in Massachusetts Bay as part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, a small, marshy outcrop known for its tidal pools, wildflowers, and views of the harbor. Historically, it was granted to early colonists like William Brewster in the 17th century and later served as a private estate; in 1845, James Turner constructed a home using materials from a shipwreck, while in 1902, it became the summer retreat of businessman Benjamin P. Cheney and actress Julia Arthur, featuring a colonial-style mansion destroyed by fire in 1971. The island's past includes use by lobster fishermen and, during the 19th century, occasional roles in harbor activities, though not a primary quarantine site like neighboring Rainsford or Gallops Islands. Today, it remains largely undeveloped, accessible only by private boat, emphasizing its ecological value within the national park.^[66]^[67] In Utah, Calf Creek refers to a scenic canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, carved by the creek and famous for its waterfalls, including the 38-meter Lower Calf Creek Falls, which cascades into a turquoise pool amid desert sandstone. The 10-kilometer round-trip trail to the lower falls is a moderate hike through riparian greenery, passing ancient pictographs and slot canyons, while the upper falls, at 27 meters, offer a shorter, steeper 2-kilometer descent to additional pools. Named possibly for its calf-like bends or historical cattle grazing, the area supports diverse flora and fauna, drawing visitors for its contrast of arid plateaus and lush oases.^[68] Further afield in Canada, the Calf associated with Cow and Bull Islands forms a small outcrop in Newfoundland and Labrador's coastal waters, part of a minor archipelago at 56°38′N 60°49′W, traditionally used for seasonal fishing amid the province's rich marine grounds. This remote feature, amid thousands of similar islets, reflects the rugged, fog-shrouded terrain supporting cod, lobster, and capelin fisheries, with limited modern access by small boats from nearby communities.^[69]^[70]

People and surnames

The surname Calf is of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "calf," meaning a young cow, which itself stems from Old English "cealf" and ultimately from Old Norse "kalfr."^[71]^[72] It likely originated as a nickname for someone resembling a calf in appearance or manner, or as a metonymic occupational name for a herder or tender of calves.^[73] Variants include Calfe and Colfe, the latter appearing in historical records.^[74] The surname remains rare globally, with fewer than 500 bearers estimated in the 2020s, ranking it as the 722,496th most common surname worldwide.^[75] It is most concentrated in the United Kingdom, particularly England, where it accounts for about 37% of occurrences, followed by the United States at around 20%.^[75] Genealogical records on platforms like Ancestry trace Calf families primarily to rural areas in these regions from the 1800s onward, reflecting ties to farming heritage.^[72] Notable individuals bearing the surname include Abraham Colfe (1580–1657), an English clergyman and philanthropist who served as vicar of Lewisham and founded Colfe's School in 1652 to provide education for local boys. In modern times, Anthony Calf (born 1959) is a British actor known for roles in films such as The Madness of King George (1994) and television series including New Tricks.^[76] Historical records also mention figures like Richard Calf, Bishop of Down in Ireland in 1354, though the surname's prominence remains limited outside minor ecclesiastical and artistic contexts.^[74] As a given name, Calf is uncommon in contemporary usage but traces back to the Old Norse personal name Kalfr, used as a byname meaning "calf," occasionally appearing in medieval literature or as a diminutive nickname.^[74] Its rarity as a first name underscores the surname's stronger association with familial identity rather than standalone nomenclature. Culturally, the name evokes rural and agricultural roots, often linked to England's pastoral history without major celebrity associations, and appears frequently in 19th-century genealogy databases documenting farming communities.^[72] Demographic trends show its adoption influenced by Viking-era migrations from Scandinavia to Britain, where Old Norse elements integrated into Anglo-Saxon naming practices, later spreading via 19th- and 20th-century emigration to the United States.^[73]^[75]

References

[1]
CALF Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
1. a : the young of the domestic cow also : that of a closely related mammal (such as a bison) b : the young of various large animals (such as the elephant or ...
[2]
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/ctahr/tpalm/pdfs-marianas/pdfs/vol_one/7_Breeds%2C%2520Genetics%2520and%2520Animal%2520Science%2520101/ansc_101.pdf
[3]
Beef Cow-Calf Production - Penn State Extension
Apr 6, 2020 · The beef cow-calf business is well adapted to small-scale and part-time farmers who have land suitable for pasture and hay production.Marketing and Preconditioning · Starting a Beef Cow-Calf Herd · Sample Budget
[4]
Quick Veal Facts - Veal – Discover Delicious - Veal.org
Milk-fed veal calves are raised for 6 months and weigh about 500 pounds when marketed as veal. Other farmers and ranchers raise calves to approximately 1200 ...
[5]
[PDF] Dairy Cattle and Veal Production
In general, the USDA defines a calf as being no more than 750 pounds live weight. Bob veal calves are those calves slaughtered at three weeks of age or younger.
[6]
Calf Health Module Introduction
Improving a calf's level of immunity requires proper colostrum management, a quality nutrition and vaccination program, and minimizing environmental and other ...
[7]
Building a Healthy Future: The Critical Importance of the Vet/Farmer ...
In cattle production, prioritizing the health and well-being of calves is essential. From the moment they are born, calves demand careful monitoring and ...
[8]
Beef Cow-Calf Management Guide - OSU Extension Service
This guide is a source of practices typically used by cow-calf producers. Use the practices that best fit your operation. Adapt them to your location and ...
[9]
CALF Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com
the young of the domestic cow or other bovine animal. the young of certain other mammals, as elephants, seals, and whales.
[10]
Beef Cattle Terms - Cornell CALS
Calves: Young cattle of either sex, less than one year of age. Carbohydrates: These are the elements in a feed that provide energy for the animal. Carcass: What ...Missing: range | Show results with:range
[11]
[PDF] Animal Science 101 Talk like a cattleman
Calf: A baby bovine. Cow: A female bovine that has had one or more calves. Heifer: A young female bovine that has not had a calf. Steer: Castrated male ...
[12]
Life Cycle of Dairy Cattle - OSU Ag Research
“The average Holstein calf weighs from 90 to 100 pounds at birth. · “Jersey calves average 60 pounds at birth, with a range in birth weight from 42 to 72 pounds” ...
[13]
Newborn dairy calf care management
May 5, 2022 · Most newborn calves will stand by themselves within the first 30 minutes following birth, although some calves can take up to two hours.
[14]
Calf Health Benchmarks
Growth Rates · 24 hours to 60 days of age: Double birth weight · 61 to 120 days of age: 2.2 lbs. average daily gain · 121 to 180 days of age: 2.0 lbs. average ...
[15]
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1559968/
[16]
Nutrition at Early Stages of Life Determines the Future Growth and ...
Suckling Beef Calves Weaned Between 7 and 8 Months of Age. The major nutritional factors affecting preweaning calf growth are the milk production of the dam, ...
[17]
Calf health from birth to weaning. I. General aspects of disease ...
This is the first in a three part review series on calf health from birth to weaning, focusing on preventive measures. The review considers both pre- and ...Calf Health From Birth To... · Calving Management Factors... · Colostrum Management
[18]
FAQ: Pregnant cows, timing of pregnancy, open cows ... - UNL Beef
Gestation length does vary by breed and by sex of the calf. Gestation length ranges from 279 to 287 days. For most breeds, 283 days would be common. Cows ...
[19]
Calving in Dairy Cows: Step by Step - SDSU Extension
Feb 13, 2023 · Step 1: Preparatory Stage Time: 2 to 6 hours Step 2: Delivery Stage Time: 30 to 90 minutes Step 3: Membrane Expulsion Stage Time: 6 to 12 hours
[20]
Housing, Bedding and Fly Control
Whatever the bedding used, young calves should be each given 32 ft² of area in hutches and 28 ft² when housed in pens. From a disease perspective, maintaining a ...
[21]
Calf Vaccination Guidelines | New Mexico State University
Calves need a 7-8 way clostridial vaccine and MLV/CA vaccine at 2-4 months, with boosters at weaning. The most effective protocol includes two boosters during ...
[22]
Calf scours signs, treatment and prevention: Part 2 - Dairy
Feb 28, 2014 · People working with scouring calves should wash their hands before and after handling calves, their feed or their bedding. Practicing proper ...
[23]
Farming, from Ancient to Zoo - National Zoo| FONZ
Most scientists have long agreed that aurochs were first domesticated 8,000 to 10,000 years ago, and the archaeological record shows the Fertile Crescent of the ...Missing: calf | Show results with:calf
[24]
Cattle domestication in the Near East was followed by hybridization ...
Domesticated cattle were one of the cornerstones of European Neolithisation and are thought to have been introduced to Europe from areas of aurochs ...
[25]
[PDF] Size Reduction in Early European Domestic Cattle Relates to ...
Dec 2, 2015 · analysis shows a Near Eastern Neolithic origin for domestic cattle and no indication of domestication of. European aurochs. Proc. R. Soc. B ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[26]
A mild case of etymological calf love | OUPblog
Jan 6, 2021 · Calf is a Common Germanic word, and it sounded almost the same in all the older languages. The Old English form was cealf, with ea going back to a.
[27]
Calf - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Calf originates from Old English and Old Norse, meaning "young of a bovine animal" and "thick part of the lower human leg," linked to Proto-Germanic roots.
[28]
All About Elephants - Birth & Care of Young - Seaworld.org
On average, newborn calves stand about 1 m (3 ft.) high and weigh 120 kg (264 lb.) at birth. Newborn male African elephants may weigh up to 165 kg (364 lb.).
[29]
Asian elephant, facts and information | National Geographic
Jul 5, 2019 · Asian elephants have long been revered as both deities and cultural symbols. But today they face grave dangers.<|control11|><|separator|>
[30]
Blue Whale | The Marine Mammal Center
Newborn blue whales are big babies! They can reach about 23 feet in length and can weigh 5,000 to 6,000 pounds at birth. A nursing blue whale mother produces ...
[31]
Hippopotamus, facts and photos | National Geographic
Mar 10, 2011 · Reproduction. Females reach sexual maturity around the age of 10. Gestation lasts eight months, and they give birth to one calf every two years.
[32]
Movement behaviour after birth demonstrates precocial abilities of ...
We demonstrate the precocial abilities of elephant calves. Movement after birth could be a significant advantage for a social species.
[33]
Behavioural development in southern right whale calves - jstor
Due to the close link between the reproductive and migratory cycle in baleen whales, giving birth to precocial offspring and ensuring rapid calf growth is ...
[34]
2017–2025 North Atlantic Right Whale Unusual Mortality Event
Sep 4, 2025 · Additionally, research demonstrates that only about 1/3 of right whale deaths are documented. The preliminary cause of mortality, serious injury ...Counts of North Atlantic Right... · Causes of the North Atlantic...
[35]
2025 North Atlantic right whale calving season
However, given the high rate of mortality and injury, North Atlantic right whales need to have at least 50 new calves per year to recover and grow their ...
[36]
Deep Dive: Right Whale Vessel Strikes
Between 2017 and 2024, at least 23 right whales were killed or injured because of a vessel strike. The North Atlantic right whale is approaching extinction.
[37]
Elephant calves: Significance and symbolism
Sep 21, 2024 · In another perspective, particularly in Theravada traditions, they symbolize the challenges faced by adult elephants, including bull-elephants, ...
[38]
Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Calf - StatPearls - NCBI - NIH
The calf (Latin: sura) refers to the posterior portion of the lower leg. The two largest muscles in this region include the gastrocnemius and the soleus.
[39]
Muscle fibre type populations of human leg muscles - PubMed
Soleus and vastus intermedius have more slow twitch fibers (70% and 47%) than gastrocnemius (50%) and vastus lateralis (32%). Fast twitch oxidative glycolytic ...
[40]
Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types - EdTech Books
For example, the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf contains about half slow and half fast type fibers, while the deeper calf muscle, the soleus, is predominantly ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[41]
Calf muscle strength in humans - PubMed
Muscle fiber composition of the gastrocnemius and soleus averaged 57 +/- 2 and 85 +/- 3% type I fibers, respectively. A poor correlation was found between ...
[42]
Measurement of Gender Differences of Gastrocnemius Muscle and ...
The fascicle of the female subjects shortened immediately at the initial part of calf raises, while that of the male subjects kept nearly constant.
[43]
Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gastrocnemius Muscle - NCBI
The gastrocnemius muscle is a complex muscle that is fundamentally involved in walking and posture. It affects the entire lower limb and the movement of the hip ...
[44]
Calf circumference: cutoff values from the NHANES 1999–2006 - NIH
Mar 19, 2021 · However, we found smaller rounded cutoff values using 2 SDs below the mean (severely low CC): 31–32 cm for males and 29–31 cm for females.Missing: typical | Show results with:typical
[45]
Cut‐offs for calf circumference as a screening tool for low muscle mass
Sep 4, 2020 · Optimal calf circumference cut-offs for low muscle mass screening are 35 cm (men) and 33 cm (women) for BIA, and 36 cm (men) and 34 cm (women) ...Missing: typical | Show results with:typical
[46]
Calf circumference has a positive correlation with physical ... - NIH
Calf circumference (cm), 34.77 ± 2.81, 35.59 ± 2.62 ; Hand grip strength (kg) · 27.41 ± 8.23, 36.50 ± 8.21 ; Gait speed (m/s) · 1.43 ± 0.25, 1.44 ± 0.27 ; Exercise ...
[47]
Calving of freshwater glaciers - AntarcticGlaciers.org
Jul 27, 2020 · Calving is the glaciological term for the mechanical loss (or simply, breaking off) of ice from a glacier margin.
[48]
[PDF] Calving processes and the dynamics of calving glaciers
We define a hierarchy of calving processes, to distinguish those that exert a fundamental control on the position of the ice margin from more localised ...
[49]
[PDF] Glaciers and ice sheets - AC Fowler - Mathematical Institute - People
As a consequence of their enormous viscosity, glaciers move slowly - a typical velocity would be in the range 10-100 m y~! (metres per year), certainly.
[50]
Glacier Power: What is Glacial Calving? | NASA Earthdata
Calving is when chunks of ice break off at the terminus, or end, of a glacier. Ice breaks because the forward motion of a glacier makes the terminus unstable.Missing: types mechanisms glaciology
[51]
Open Science: Iceberg calving has increased - GEUS
Jun 7, 2019 · New study shows the iceberg calving from the Greenlandic glaciers has increased with almost 20 percent since 1986.
[52]
What happened to the Larsen Ice Shelf?
Sep 2, 2021 · Between January 31 and March 7, the shelf loses 2,717 square kilometers (1,049 square miles). Following this period of dramatic decline, the ...About the Larsen Ice Shelf · Larsen Ice Shelf disintegration...
[53]
Glacier Calving in Greenland | Current Climate Change Reports
Oct 27, 2017 · In 2000, the total discharge from all of Greenland's tidewater outlet glaciers was 462 ± 6 Gt [1]. Fifteen glaciers make up 50% of the total, ...
[54]
Landsat Provides Global View of Speed of Ice
A new capability that uses satellite images to map the speed of flowing ice in Greenland, Antarctica and mountain ranges around the world.
[55]
Icebergs - AntarcticGlaciers.org
Icebergs are made up of frozen freshwater, which is less dense than the liquid saltwater in the ocean. This causes icebergs to float in water. However, since ...
[56]
[PDF] Iceberg topography and volume classification using TanDEM-X ... - TC
Jul 10, 2019 · Iceberg size classification defined by the International Ice. Patrol. Size class. Height (m) Length (m). Growler. < 1. < 5. Bergy bit. 1–5. 5–15.
[57]
[PDF] Part 2—Glaciological Topics - Tidewater Glaciers - USGS.gov
Jan 4, 2025 · Tidewater glaciers are glaciers that enter the ocean and calve off to form bergs, and are grounded at their beds.
[58]
Structures and Deformation in Glaciers and Ice Sheets - AGU Journals
Jul 27, 2021 · Ice breccias form as ice walls collapse at glacier margins through dry calving ... calving produces irregularly shaped and smaller icebergs ( ...
[59]
14.2 Icebergs – Introduction to Oceanography
Bergy Bit, 1-5, 5-15. Small, 5-15, 15-60. Medium, 16-45, 61-120. Large, 46-75, 121-200 ... The primary distinction is between tabular and non-tabular icebergs.
[60]
[PDF] Machine learning for tactical iceberg drift forecasting
The average drift speed was found to be equal to 0.2 m/s, and the fastest iceberg drifted at 0.83 m/s.
[61]
Glacial melting: an overlooked threat to Antarctic krill - Nature
Jun 2, 2016 · Other investigations have demonstrated that krill appear to be sensitive to increasing seawater temperature48 and ocean acidification49.Results · Analyses Of Krill From 2008... · Krill Mortality Events
[62]
The Incredible Story of the Iceberg That Sank the Titanic
Aug 16, 2022 · The Titanic sank after hitting a large iceberg, formed from Greenland ice, that was likely near its end, and was over two miles wide and 100 ...
[63]
Antarctic ice shelf thickness from CryoSat‐2 radar altimetry
Dec 10, 2015 · CryoSat-2 provides 92.3% ice shelf coverage, greater than any previous data set Mean elevation bias reduced from previous product, ...
[64]
Chapter 3: Polar regions
Mechanisms for Arctic amplification are still debated, but include: reduced summer albedo due to sea ice and snow cover loss, the increase of total water ...
[65]
Updated Jakobshavn Glacier Calving Front Retreat from 2001 ...
This animation shows the flow of the Jakobshavn glacier in 2000, followed by a time series of the glacier's retreat from 2001 through 2006.
[66]
Calf of Man: A tiny, wild isle adrift in the Irish Sea - BBC
May 24, 2025 · Inhabited over the centuries by hermits, monks, farmers and lighthouse keepers, the remote Calf of Man is both a time capsule and frontier ...Missing: geography | Show results with:geography
[67]
[PDF] Manx Marine Nature Reserves (Designation) Order 2018
Sep 1, 2018 · north west from D (Thistle Head) at 54° 13.2000' N, 04° 42.4999' W, and north of a line projected west from E (Elby Point) at 54° 09.7500' ...
[68]
Calf of Man - Manx BirdLife
The Calf of Man is a small, rugged island lying just off the southern coast of the Isle of Man. Owned by Manx National Heritage and managed by the Manx ...Missing: geography | Show results with:geography
[69]
The Calf from Sedbergh, Cumbria, England - AllTrails
Rating 4.7 (117) The Calf from Sedbergh is considered a hard hike that covers 8.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,814 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails ...
[70]
Calf Top Cumbrian hill re-categorised as a mountain - BBC News
Sep 6, 2016 · A Cumbrian hill has inched its way to mountain status. Calf Top, near the Yorkshire Dales and Sedbergh, was measured in 2010 at 1999.9ft (609.579m).
[71]
UKH News - Calf Top - Britain's New Mountain
Sep 6, 2016 · Following a revision of OS modelling, the former hill has nudged over the 2000-foot threshold by an infinitesimal 2mm.
[72]
Calf Island - Boston Harbor Islands
James Turner, who built his home from the deckhouses of the wrecked steamer, Ontario, came to own the island in 1845. It became the preferred location for a ...Missing: Bay | Show results with:Bay
[73]
Calf Island - Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands
Cheney and his wife, actress Julia Arthur built a colonial style, two-story summer estate with roofs used to collect rainwater. The last of the estate remains ...Missing: Bay | Show results with:Bay
[74]
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail In Escalante - Visit Utah
Lower Calf Creek Falls is an easy, out-and-back trail totaling 6.2 miles, round-trip. Hiking time ranges from 3.5 to 4 hours total on a well-constructed path ...
[75]
Cow and Bull Islands Calf - Place names - Natural Resources Canada
Cow and Bull Islands Calf ; Newfoundland and Labrador · 56° 38′ 22″ N, 60° 48′ 50″ W · 56.6393394, -60.8138426 · 014C10 · 1:250 000.
[76]
Newfoundland Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2025
Aug 25, 2025 · Atlantic Salmon, gorgeous Trout, as well as Atlantic Mackerel, Arctic Char, Halibut, Whitefish, Sharks, and Capelin are all in the cards.
[77]
Calf Name Meaning and Calf Family History at FamilySearch
English: nickname from Middle English calf 'calf' (Old English cealf, calf). Compare Duncalf and Metcalfe.
[78]
Calf Surname Meaning & Calf Family History at Ancestry.com®
Calf Surname Meaning. from Middle English calf 'calf' (Old English cealf calf). Compare Duncalf and Metcalfe. ... Similar surnames: Cala; , Call; , Calo ...
[79]
Calf Surname: Meaning, Origin & Family History - SurnameDB
... calf", Anglian form of "cealf" meaning "calf", used either as a nickname or as a metonymic occupational name for someone who was responsible for tending calves.Missing: topographic | Show results with:topographic
[80]
Calf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms - HouseOfNames
The Anglo-Saxon name Calf comes from Calf, a variant of the Old Norse personal name Kalfr, which means calf. However, several alternative interpretations exist.
[81]
Calf Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History - Forebears
Calf Surname Definition: This surname is derived from a nickname. 'the calf; compare Bull, Bullock, &c. Reginald Caut, Yorkshire, 1273.
[82]
Anthony Calf - IMDb
Anthony Calf was born on 4 May 1959 in Hammersmith, London, England, UK. He is an actor, known for The Madness of King George (1994), Beau Geste (1982) and ...