LWG Calculator
Summary
The LWG Calculator is used to estimate live weight gain (LWG) in dry cattle using the nutritional information of the feed base. The tool is based around the principle of every animal having a potential live weight gain equal to their total metabolisable energy (ME) intake minus their ME requirement for maintenance (MEm) multiplied by an efficiency factor that is measured through the culmination of variables (inputs and functions) described in this calculator. Potential Live Weight Gain = [ME intake - MEm] * Efficiency factor.
Important Note: Live weight gain calculations are based on the 'Nutrient Requirements of Domesticated Animals' (CSIRO, 2007) publication which represents a revision of the report ‘Feeding Standards for Australian Livestock. Ruminants’ that was issued in 1990 by CSIRO Publishing in conjunction with the Standing Committee on Agriculture. The calculator has been developed by Agricultural Economists D. Denny and T. Moravek of Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (2019). This calculator is not for use in every situation. Please refer to the information in this wiki or in the aforementioned publication to use it appropriately.
Using the LWG Calculator
The program is located with the [Breedcow and Dynama Software], within the Tools tab, which can be accessed after registering or logging in to use the free software.
- A new scenario can be created by clicking the Save button beside a blank yellow name bar and can be named by typing in the yellow bar. This scenario or previously created scenarios can be edited by clicking the Open button.
- To open an example scenario click the Copy button beside the example scenario and it will be copied into your scenario list where it can be opened as your own scenario.
- A scenario can be shared with another user by clicking the Share button then entering in the email address for the user you wish to share it with. Note that this must be the email they have used to register their account with at https://breedcowdynama.com.au the shared scenario will appear in their scenarios list for the relevant program.