Daily weight gain calculator for cattle
Calculate the average daily gain (ADG) of a calf or bull from two weighings, and when it will reach its target weight.
Enter the dates and weights of two weighings.
How is daily gain calculated?
Average daily gain (ADG) is the weight an animal puts on per day: the difference between two weighings divided by the number of days between them.
Example: a calf that went from 220 kg to 265 kg in 50 days gained 45 kg, or 0.9 kg a day.
What daily gain is good?
It depends on breed, age, sex and feed, so compare animals of the same group. As a rough guide for beef cattle:
- Suckling calves: 0.8–1.2 kg a day
- Weaned calves and young stock on pasture: 0.5–0.9 kg a day
- Replacement heifers: 0.6–0.8 kg a day
- Finishing bulls on a high-energy ration: 1.2–1.6 kg a day
Tips for accurate weighing
- Weigh at the same time of day, best in the morning before feeding.
- Leave 4–6 weeks between weighings: over a few days, gut fill and water can hide the real gain.
- Compare an animal with others of the same group and age, not with the whole herd.