Weighing of farm animals

Introduction Measurement of height and weight are essential for identification and for

the issue of certificates. Horse

They are generally measured in “ hands” and ‘inches” (1 hand = 4 inches).

A measuring stand usually consist of an upright pole or stick graded upto 18 or 19 hands ads a sliding cross bar carrying a spirit level.

A leveled hard surface is chosen for measuring the height of a horse and a horse will be measured to the highest point off the withers when standing square on level ground. The horses head and neck should be held at right angels to the upright part of the measuring stand.

It should be measured from left side and measuring is normally done soon after the horse has been shoed. With the help of the spirit level the cross bar is to be adjusted. The point is then read in hands or inches.

Pocket measuring tape

It is a weighted tape, graded in hands and inches and this can be used on nervous horses. Cattle

The height of the cattle is expressed in inches or centimeters. It is taken immediately behind the hump or at the highest point of croup and one should mention from where the point of height is taken. While measuring the height, the animal is allowed to stand on a level ground with proper standing position.

Weight

The weight of the animal is essential for the following purposes To find out whether the animal maintains normal health or not. To study the weight gain during experiments. For computing rations. For calculating the correct dosage of medicine

Direct method

Usually adult animal are weighed once in a month. Weighing bridge: The animal is made to stand on the platform of the

weighing bridge and it records the weight in pounds (lb) or kilogram (kg). Spring balance: Sheep and goat may be weighed by using the spring

balance. Platform balance: Small ruminants and pigs can be weighed by using the

platform balance. Table balance: It can be made use of to record the weight of poultry and

the rabbits.

Indirect method

Shaffer’s formula This is the most common formula used for cattle and buffaloes. W= LG2 /300

In this formula the weight of the animal is expressed in pounds. Where, L - Length of the animal from point of shoulder to point of buttocks

(inches) G is the chest girth of the animal in inches.

Minnesota formula W= LG2 /600

In this formula the weight of animal is expressed in kilograms. Where, L is the length of the animal from point of shoulder to point of buttocks in

inches. G is the chest girth of the animal in inches.

Agarwal’s modified shaffer’s formula Formula for Indian cattle is as follows

Live weight in seers = Girth x length / Y Where Y is equal to 9.0 if girth is less than 65 inches Y is equal to 8.5 if girth is between 65 – 80 inches Y is equal to 8.0 if girth is over 80 inches. (One seer is equal to 0.93 kg)

Cont…

Mullick’s formula for Buffaloes X = 25.156 (Y) - 360.232 X = Estimate of body weight in pounds Y – Heart girth in inches

Formula of Bandari and team For dry and non-pregnant buffaloes

Body weight in lbs = -2123.73 + 26.356 (Girth in inches) + 21.50 (Length in inches)

For dry pregnant buffaloes Body weight in lbs = -1934.48 + 20.52 (Girth in inches) + 25.90 (Length

in inches) For Lactating buffaloes

Body weight in lbs = -2387.60 + 27.12 (Girth in inches) + 24.55 (Length in inches)

Formula for Hariana cattle Body weight in kgs = (Girth in cm) 3.3 + (Posterior girth inch) + 0.7 (Length

in cm) – 490

Weigh band

This is meant for cattle and pig. It is a printed tape having weights in pounds along its border. It is put around the chest and the weight is read directly from the tape.

There are 3 different weights that could be recorded by this band

For lean animal For normal animal For Very fat animal