Cattle Weight Estimator

Estimate live weight of cattle using the Schaeffer formula from heart girth and body length measurements. Includes dressed weight and body condition estimates.

Inputs

Heart Girth

inches

Body Length

inches

Tab to move between fields

Results

Estimated Live Weight

1,037 lbs

≈ 6 adults

Dressed Weight (62%)643 lbs

Dressing Percentage62%

Body Condition EstimateThin / Under-conditioned (BCS 1-4)

Frame SizeMedium

How to Use This Calculator

Measure the heart girth circumference in inches with a tape behind the front legs.
Measure body length in inches from point of shoulder to point of pin bone.
Enter both measurements into the calculator.
Review the estimated live weight in pounds using the standard body weight tape formula.
Weigh on a scale periodically to calibrate the tape estimate for your specific herd breed.

How the result changes with Heart Girth

Heart Girth	Estimated Live Weight
30	180 lbs
55	605 lbs
85	1,445 lbs
110	2,420 lbs

What each input means

Heart Girth: Circumference measured just behind the front legs and over the withers, in inches.
Body Length: Distance from the point of shoulder to the pin bone, in inches.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

Identify Input Parameters
Heart Girth = 72, Body Length = 60 = 2 input(s) provided
Calculate Estimated Live Weight
Estimated Live Weight
1037 = 1037
Calculate Dressed Weight
Dressed Weight
643 = 643
Calculate Dressing Percentage
Dressing Percentage = 62
62 = 62%

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