Animal Difference to Bull, Cow, Steer & Heifer The distinction between male and female cattle can be difficult to recognize. Fortunately, if you know what to look for, it’s simple to tell the difference between bulls, cows, steers, and heifers with ease. Here are some tips that will help you tell the difference between these four types of cattle. How to identify steers Steers are generally castrated male cattle that are raised for beef. They are typically larger than heifers and have more muscle mass. Bulls are intact male cattle that are used for breeding or for working purposes such as pulling a plow. Heifers are young female cattle that have not yet had calf. How to identify heifers Heifers are young female cattle that have not yet had calf. They are usually smaller than cows and have smoother horns. Steers are male cattle that have been castrated, while bulls are intact males. Cows are adult females that have had at least one calf. They are larger than heifers ...