An animal to keep on course (5)
I believe the answer is:
steer
This clue is a double definition.
'an animal' is the first definition.
(I know that steer is a type of male)
'keep on course' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for steer that I've seen before include "give guidance" , "cox" , "Direct; young ox" , "bovine individual?" , "Guide; bullock" .)