Hoof Tape

Obtaining an accurate measure of birth weight using a high-quality digital scale is important for producing meaningful calving difficulty EPDs. However, it is not always feasible to obtain birth weights this way. Digital scales for measuring calf birth weights can cost thousands of dollars. Even with good mechanical scales, trying to catch a calf when the mother is being protective and lifting that calf is a challenge for many producers and their ranch hands. There are reports of producers estimating the calf weights using visual inspection.

A widely used alternative is the calf hoof tape method. A google search reveals that there are many vendors of calf hoof tape devices. They are relatively low cost