Average Daily Gain Calculator
Calculate livestock average daily gain (ADG), total weight gain, and projected days to reach a target weight.
Inputs
How It Works
Total Gain = Final Weight − Starting Weight
Average Daily Gain (ADG) = Total Gain ÷ Days on Feed
ADG measures livestock growth performance over a defined feeding period.
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FAQ
What is average daily gain (ADG)?
Average daily gain measures the average weight increase per day over a feeding or growth period.
What is a typical ADG for beef cattle?
Beef cattle commonly average 2.5 to 4.0 pounds per day depending on ration quality and genetics.
Why is ADG important?
ADG directly impacts feed efficiency, days on feed, and overall cost per pound of gain.
Understanding Average Daily Gain in Livestock Production
Average Daily Gain (ADG) is one of the most widely used performance metrics in livestock production. It measures the rate at which animals gain weight over a specific feeding period. By dividing total weight gain by the number of days on feed, producers can evaluate growth efficiency and overall herd performance.
Monitoring ADG allows producers to assess ration effectiveness, genetic potential, and overall management practices. Higher ADG often reduces total days on feed, lowering feed, yardage, and labor costs. Conversely, reduced growth rates may signal nutritional deficiencies, health challenges, or environmental stress.
In beef production systems, ADG commonly ranges between 2.5 and 4.0 pounds per day depending on feed quality and production goals. Swine and small ruminants have different target ranges based on species and stage of growth. Using an average daily gain calculator helps producers make informed decisions that improve efficiency and profitability across livestock operations.