Words don't work this way. They more often than not have multiple, somewhat overlapping, meanings. For example, Wiktionary lists five meanings for the word, when it comes to quadrupeds:
(strictly) An adult female of the species Bos taurus, especially one that has calved.
(loosely or informal) Any member of the species Bos taurus regardless of sex or age, including bulls and calves.
(uncommon) Beef: the meat of cattle as food.
(uncommon) Any bovines or bovids generally, including yaks, buffalo, etc.
(biology) A female member of other large species of mammal, including the bovines, moose, whales, seals, hippos, rhinos, manatees, and elephants.
You're likely referring to meaning #4 or #5, but keep in mind that #1 is the most common and #2 is likely the original one (due to the cognates).