Work out cattle weight from measurement instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
The Shaeffer formula estimates live weight from heart girth squared times body length divided by a breed constant, working in inches and pounds. The divisor is about 300 for cattle and lower for the heavier-bodied buffalo. Applying a dressing percentage gives an indicative carcass weight.
Shaeffer weight formula
Weight (lb) = girth (in)^2 x length (in) / divisor (cattle 300, buffalo 280, calves 340)
Carcass
Carcass weight = live weight x dressing %
Do not use a tape estimate to calculate drug doses where a narrow therapeutic index applies. Weigh the animal or consult a veterinarian.
Within about 5-8% of scale weight for animals of typical conformation. Very thin, very fat or heavily pregnant animals deviate more, so use scales where the weight drives a drug dose.
Around the chest immediately behind the front legs and over the withers, with the tape snug and the animal standing square with its head level.