help with figuring birthweight

[mikecoen]

Nicholas weighs 95 pounds at 8 days old, Judah weighs 80 at 5 days old.
They are belted galloways. I neglected to weigh them immediately.
How much should I factor in for the first week's growth?

 

[greybeard]

Less than 1 lb growth for the first week is normal. Many calve lose wt in the first few days and documented gains are only around .1 to .15 lbs per day.
1st week calves just hold their own in condition even under best conditions.

 

[mikecoen]

I read somewhere that the first month, a calf can double its weight. I see the change in these two little ones; they have put on size for sure in all of their muscle areas and notably between their ribs and their hips. I was guessing they might be gaining a pound or two per day. It also seems like 95 pounds is awfully large for a birthweight of a belted galloway. I appreciate your educating me on this as it's only my second time having calves. the first time I just let nature take its course and didn't try to weigh or measure. That little heifer was also very healthy from the get-go. Sunny and cold here in Colorado where our scourge is the russian olive tree and a few noxious weeds. We have bindweed that has roots to China but fortunately in our drought it does grow and the cows like to eat it!

 

[Royd Wood]

Those are good averige weights for Galloway calves and I think your first one would be born around 90 and just less than 80 for your other guy.
The fact they have been born so early in the year they will be in amazing condition come Autumn (Fall) time ready for next winter.