How Much Does a 6 Month Old Beef Calf Weigh?

As cattle owners, one of the most common questions we get is “how much does a 6 month old beef calf weigh?”. The answer isn’t straightforward since there are many factors that affect calf weight at 6 months. In this article, I’ll walk through the major influences on 6 month calf weights and provide ranges for average Angus calf weights at this age.

Key Factors That Influence 6 Month Calf Weights

Calf weights can vary substantially at any age depending on genetics nutrition health status, and management. Here are some of the key factors that impact 6 month old calf weights specifically

• Breed – Some breeds like Angus tend to be moderately framed while others like Holsteins are much larger. Crossbred calves also tend to show more hybrid vigor and grow faster

• Milk Production – Calves still dependent on their mothers will grow faster when dams produce more milk.

• Creep Feeding – Providing calf-specific rations or high quality forage will increase pre-weaning growth.

• Health Issues – Treating conditions like scours or pneumonia quickly is key to minimize weight loss. Parasite control is also essential.

• Castration – Steer calves tend to be heavier at weaning compared to bull calves.

• Birth Weight – Heavier calves at birth tend to maintain their weight advantage.

• Genetics – Selecting for growth traits like weaning weight EPDs improves calf weights.

Average Angus Calf Weight at 6 Months

Focusing specifically on Angus as a moderate framed British breed, here are typical weight ranges:

• Bull Calves – 350 to 650 lbs with an average of 500 lbs

• Steer Calves – 375 to 700 lbs with an average of 550 lbs

• Heifer Calves – 325 to 600 lbs with an average of 475 lbs

As you can see, there is substantial variability around the averages. Well-managed herds with optimized genetics, health programs, and nutrition can achieve weights towards the upper end of the ranges. Growth-stunted calves will fall closer to the minimums.

Estimating Calf Age from Weight

In some cases like auction barns, calf age may be unknown. We can estimate age from weight using some general benchmarks:

• Newborn – 60 to 100 lbs

• 3 Months – 250 to 400 lbs

• 6 Months – 450 to 700 lbs

• 9 Months – 650 to 850 lbs

• 12 Months – 800 to 1,000 lbs

Again, these are rough guidelines that assume average daily gains of around 2 lbs/day. Actual gains can range from 1.5 to over 3 lbs/day depending on all the factors discussed earlier.

Tracking Your Herd’s Performance

The best way to determine expected calf weights in your herd is to look at historical averages. Review weaning weight records to establish baselines for your operation. Then track groups of calves to measure 6 month weights. This allows you to see if you are hitting targets or falling behind the averages.

You can then set benchmarks for minimum 6 month weights to identify slower gaining calves that may need extra inputs. Regular weighing provides the data to make informed nutritional and health management decisions.

The Importance of Month 6 Calf Weights

Why pay attention to 6 month weights specifically versus weaning weights or yearling weights? Six months falls in an important transition period between the calf relying heavily on milk to achieving over 50% of intake from forages and supplements.

It is a good checkpoint for calves headed to feedlots soon after weaning. Lightweight calves may need extra days on feed to reach target input weights for cost effective gains. For replacement heifers, a minimum 6 month weight can help identify those needing to achieve additional gains pre-breeding.