Average Daily Gain (ADG) Calculator for Cattle, Pigs, Sheep & Goats
Calculate average daily gain (ADG) of cattle, pigs, sheep or goats from two weighings — total gain, gain per month, percentage gain and the days left to reach a target weight.
How it works
ADG = (final weight − starting weight) ÷ days between weighings · Days to target = (target − final weight) ÷ ADG
Average daily gain is the standard growth measure in livestock production: it tells you whether animals are performing as the ration and genetics promise. Weigh at the same time of day (ideally after the same fasting period) to avoid gut-fill differences of several percent. As a guide, growing beef steers on pasture gain about 0.5–1.0 kg/day, feedlot cattle 1.3–1.8 kg/day, and finishing pigs 0.8–1.0 kg/day.
Worked example
A steer weighed 250 kg and, 90 days later, 340 kg. It gained 90.0 kg, so its average daily gain is 90 ÷ 90 = 1.00 kg/day (30.0 kg per month, a 36.0% increase). At that rate it needs another 110 days to reach a 450 kg target.
Sources: FAO — Animal production and health: growth performance indicators · Penn State Extension — Beef cattle growth and feeding
Frequently asked questions
What is a good average daily gain for cattle?
It depends on the system: 0.4–0.8 kg/day (1–1.8 lb) on tropical or dry-season pasture, about 0.8–1.0 kg/day on good improved pasture, and 1.3–1.8 kg/day (3–4 lb) for feedlot cattle on a high-energy ration.
What ADG should finishing pigs reach?
Modern finishing pigs typically gain 0.8–1.0 kg/day (1.8–2.2 lb) from about 25 kg to market weight; nursery pigs gain less, around 0.4–0.6 kg/day.
How often should I weigh animals to measure ADG?
Every 28–60 days is common. Short periods exaggerate the effect of gut fill and weighing error, while very long periods hide problems. Weigh at the same hour and under the same feeding conditions each time.
Can I calculate ADG without a scale?
Yes, roughly — estimate both weights with a heart-girth tape. The error of each estimate (5–10%) carries into the gain, so use periods of at least 60 days and the same person measuring.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.