| Animal Weight Calculations |
Animal Weight Calculations
If you only have a few animals, you probably don’t have a scale. The good news is, you can calculate animal weights ith reasonable accuracy by taking two body measurements (body length and heart girth) and applying some simple math.
Evaluate weights for common livestock
Beef Cattle
Dairy Heifers
Sheep and Goats
Horses
Swine
Beef Cattle
| | | 1. Measure the circumference (heart girth) of the animal (distance C).
2. Measure the length of body (distance A-B).
3. Take the values obtained in Steps 1 and 2 and apply the following formula to calculate body weight:
Heart girth x heart girth x body length divided by 300 = weight in pounds.
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Dairy Heifer Weights
| | | 1. Measure the circumference (heart girth) of the animal (see picture).
2. Use the table to calculate the average weight for the age within 95% accuracy.
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| | | Age in Months | Holstein | Ayrshire | Guernsey | Jersey |  | | | (in.) | (lb.) | (in.) | (lb.) | (in.) | (lb.) | (in.) | (lb.) | | Birth | 31 | 96 | 29½ | 72 | 29 | 66 | 24½ | 56 | | 1 month | 33½ | 118 | 32 | 98 | 31½
| 90 | 29½ | 72 | | 2 months | 37 | 161 | 35½
| 132 | 34½
| 122 | 32½ | 102 | | 4 months | 43½
| 272 | 42¾
| 236 | 41¼ | 217 | 38¼ | 181 | | 6 months | 50 | 396 | 48¼ | 340 | 47 | 304 | 44½ | 277 | | 12 months | 62½
| 714 | 59 | 583 | 58¼ | 549 | 56½ | 520 | | 15 months | 65¼ | 805 | 63 | 703 | 61¼ | 640 | 59 | 585 | | 18 months | 68½
| 912 | 66 | 781 | 65 | 727 | 61½
| 660 | | 21 months | 71½
| 1,025 | 68½
| 885 | 67½
| 816 | 64 | 740 | | | Back to top
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Sheep and Goat Weights
| | | 1. Measure the circumference (heart girth), making sure to part or compress the wool to ensure accurate measurement (distance C).
2. Measure the length of body (distance A-B).
3. Take the values obtained in Steps 1 and 2 and apply the following formula to calculate body weight: Heart girth x heart girth x body length divided by 300 = weight in pounds. Back to top | | |  |
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Horse Weights
| | | 1. Measure the circumference (heart girth) of the animal (distance C).
2. Measure the length of body (distance A-B).
3. Take the values obtained in Steps 1 and 2 and apply the following formula to calculate body weight: Heart girth x heart girth x length divided by 300 + 50 lb. = weight. Back to top
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Swine Weights
| | | 1. Measure the circumference (heart girth) of the animal (distance C).
2. Measure the length of body (distance A-B) with the animal standing or restrained in the position shown.
3. Take the values obtained in Steps 1 and 2 and apply the following formula to calculate body weight: Heart girth x heart girth x length divided by 400 = weight in pounds.
Note: For hogs weighing less than 150 lb., add 7 lb. to the figure obtained from the formula. Back to top
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*IMPORTANT NOTE: The information included on this website is for general educational purposes only. Please do not rely on information provided on this website as a substitute for the professional judgment, advice and guidance of your veterinarian relating to the treatment of and care for your animals based on their particular circumstances and needs. Maintaining regular appointments with your veterinarian will help ensure the best care for your animals. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any course of supplementation or treatment for your animals. TSC is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions on this website.
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