Most form pairs during the breeding season, but in some species, such as fur seals, the gray seal (Halichoerus grypus), and elephant seals, males (bulls) take possession of harems of cows and drive rival bulls away from their territory.
Look for the crooked tail. This is probably the best ways to tell if a cow has been bred: A cow or heifer will have a crooked tail or a tail that is held out in an odd angle than usual for 24 to 48 hours after being serviced by the bull. 1  4 Edit step.
1 Cow: a mature female bovine that has given birth to at least one or two calves. 2  Colloquially, the term cow is also in reference to the Bos primigenius species of domestic cattle, regardless of age, gender, breed or type. Cow: a mature female bovine that has given birth to at least one or two calves. 2  Colloquially, the term cow is also in reference to the Bos primigenius species of domestic cattle, regardless of age, gender, breed or type.