Average Daily Gain Explained
Average daily gain is the average kilograms of live weight an animal adds per day over a feeding period. It drives days on feed, total feed eaten and how quickly you turn over pens — which makes it central to feedlot profit planning.
What is average daily gain and how is it calculated?
Average daily gain (ADG) is total weight gained divided by days on feed — for example 280 kg gain over 200 days equals 1.4 kg per day. It sets days on feed and total feed cost for a batch. Plan with the feedlot calculator and track mid-batch progress in the feeder progress calculator.
How it is calculated
Divide total weight gained by the number of days on feed. A steer that gains 280 kg over 200 days has an average daily gain of 1.4 kg per day (280 ÷ 200).
In practice, growth is not steady every day. Animals gain faster mid-batch on good rations and may slow in very hot weather or when approaching heavy slaughter weights. Planners still use average daily gain because it links starting weight, target weight and feeding period in one number.
Realistic targets
Weaner calves on energy-dense finishing rations might average 1.3 to 1.6 kg per day on well-managed South African feedlots, but breed, health, starting weight and ration quality shift that range. Cull cows on a maintenance-plus ration gain slower. Lambs on concentrate grow faster per day in percentage terms but are planned on smaller total gain.
Use your own close-out data from the last two or three batches before you budget an aggressive average daily gain for a new purchase.
Link to days on feed and cost
Higher average daily gain shortens days on feed if the target weight stays the same. Shorter days mean less total feed, less yard time and faster cash return — but only if feed conversion ratio stays acceptable and health holds.
Chasing very high average daily gain with expensive concentrate without checking feed conversion ratio and carcass grade can produce heavy but unprofitable animals.
Small change, big effect
Target gain 280 kg from 200 kg to 480 kg live weight. At 1.6 kg average daily gain, days on feed is 175. At 1.3 kg, it is 215 — 40 extra days of feed, labour and pen risk. Run both scenarios in the feedlot calculator with the same feed price to see margin impact.
What influences average daily gain on farm
- Ration energy and protein balance
- Starting weight and frame size of weaners purchased
- Heat stress, mud and pen density
- Respiratory disease and internal parasites
- Implant and management programmes where used legally and appropriately
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate average daily gain?
Subtract starting weight from current or target weight to get total gain, then divide by days on feed. A steer gaining 280 kg in 200 days has an average daily gain of 1.4 kg per day.
What is a realistic average daily gain for feedlot cattle?
Weaners on energy-dense finishing rations often average 1.3 to 1.6 kg per day on well-managed batches, but breed, health and starting weight shift that range. Use your own close-out data.
How does average daily gain affect days on feed?
Higher average daily gain shortens days on feed for the same target weight, reducing total feed, yard time and pen risk — if feed conversion ratio stays acceptable.
Why does average daily gain slow down near slaughter weight?
Animals often gain faster mid-batch on good rations and slow in hot weather or as they approach heavy slaughter weights. Planners still use the average over the full period.
These guides and calculators are planning tools only. Check results against your farm records, feed labels, supplier prices and professional advice from your nutritionist, veterinarian or financial adviser where needed.