Growth
Average daily gain calculator for cattle
Two weights and the days between them tell you how the cattle are doing, and how long until they reach the weight you want.
Average daily gain (ADG) = (ending weight − starting weight) ÷ days between the two weights. Calves that go from 550 lb to 820 lb in 120 days gained 270 lb, or 2.25 lb per day. At that rate they reach 1,250 lb in about 191 more days.
Example numbers. Change them to your own.
Getting a number you can trust
- Weigh under the same conditions. Same time of day and same fill, or after the same time off feed and water, both times.
- Use enough days. Over a short period, gut fill can be larger than the true gain. Longer periods give a steadier number.
- Average the group. Use the group’s average weight, or run each animal and compare them.
- Projections assume the rate holds. Gain changes with feed, weather and the animal’s stage of growth, so recheck with a new weight.
How do you calculate average daily gain in cattle?
Subtract the starting weight from the ending weight and divide by the number of days between the two weights.
How many days will it take my calves to reach a target weight?
Divide the weight still to gain by the average daily gain. A calf that needs 430 lb and gains 2.25 lb a day needs about 191 days, if the rate holds.
Why did my calves gain less than expected between weighings?
Differences in gut fill between the two weigh days are the most common reason over short periods. Weigh at the same time of day under the same conditions, and use a longer period.