Heifer – a cow that has not borne a calf, or has borne only one calf. In North America, a typical farm has about 100 milk cows and as many young female stock called heifers. The heifers are raised as replacement cows.
Extensive development of dairy farming in the dairy belt of North America has been possible due to the presence of a combination of physical and economic factors. The region receives a rainfall varying between 55 and 125 cm. The rainfall efficiency is further increased by relatively lower temperature ranging between 18° and 24°C. The cattle yield more milk in a cool climate and the milk can also be kept for a longer time at lower temperature.