Ideal weight range and feeding recommendations based on your calf's age
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not provide definitive results. For professional advice or accurate calculations, please consult the relevant expert (veterinarian, agricultural engineer, etc.).
Ideal Weight Range
Current Status
Target Daily Weight Gain
Manage calf growth, vaccination tracking and health records from a single platform with SürüPlus.
Calf feeding program and growth tracking are fundamental pillars of healthy herd management. Proper nutrition and regular weight monitoring from the first days of calves are key to raising productive cows or bulls in the future.
Calf ideal weight values vary by breed. Holstein calves weigh an average of 40-45 kg at birth and should reach 75-85 kg at 60 days. Simmental calves are expected to weigh 42-48 kg at birth and 80-90 kg at 60 days. It is recommended to monitor regularly using a calf development chart.
Daily weight gain is the most important indicator of growth performance. A healthy calf is expected to gain an average of 800-1000 grams per day. This rate may be higher in the first 60 days. If your calf is below the target weight gain, it is recommended to review the feeding program and consult a veterinarian.
This is the most critical stage of the calf feeding program. 4 liters of colostrum should be given within the first 6 hours. Colostrum strengthens the calf's immune system and significantly increases survival chances. 2 more liters should be given each at the 12th and 24th hours, ensuring a total colostrum intake of 8 liters.
6-8 liters of milk or milk replacer are given per day. From 2-3 weeks, quality starter feed should be introduced. Clean water should always be accessible. During this period, daily weight gain should be closely monitored with weekly weighing.
Milk is weaned at 8-10 weeks and transition to growth feed begins. 2-3 kg of concentrate feed and quality roughage (hay, grass) are given per day. Water consumption should be 15-25 liters/day.
Concentrate feed amount increases to 3-4 kg/day. Free access to roughage is provided. Mineral and vitamin supplementation should be given regularly. Water consumption reaches 25-35 liters/day.
If your calf is below the target daily weight gain, review the feeding program. Increase milk/milk replacer amount, check starter feed quality. Health problems such as respiratory diseases and diarrhea negatively affect weight gain, have a veterinary checkup.
Overfeeding can also cause problems. Especially in the first months, excess weight can lead to metabolic diseases. Consult an agricultural engineer or veterinarian to balance the ration.
Calves are generally weaned at 8-10 weeks old (56-70 days). This period may vary depending on the calf's starter feed consumption and general health condition.
Ideal daily weight gain for dairy calves is 800-1000 grams. For beef calves, this rate can reach 1000-1200 grams.
Female calves (heifers) can generally be bred at 15-18 months old and when they reach 350-380 kg weight. These values may vary by breed.
Colostrum forms the calf's initial immune system. Calves that do not receive sufficient colostrum within the first 6 hours have a very high risk of catching diseases.
Calves can generally be housed with adult animals at 6-8 months (180-240 days). However, this period may vary depending on the animal's development and socialization status.