What is the term for the removal of calves from their mother's milk?

The term that describes the removal of calves from their mother's milk is weaning. Weaning is a significant developmental milestone in the lifecycle of a calf, as it marks the transition from a milk-based diet to a diet that includes solid food. This process is essential for the health of both the calf and the mother; it helps reduce dependency on maternal milk and allows the calf to adapt to a more varied diet, which is vital for its growth and development. It's also beneficial for the mother, as it reduces the physical stress of lactation and allows her to regain energy for future cycles.

In contrast, fostering refers to the practice of placing a calf with another lactating mother when the original mother is unable to care for it, while herding involves managing and moving groups of animals. Calving is the term that describes the actual act of giving birth to a calf. Each of these terms describes different aspects of animal husbandry, but weaning specifically targets the dietary transition away from milk.