FarmsFlo › Gestation Calculators › Cattle
Cattle Gestation Calculator & Chart
Cattle carry a calf for about 283 days on average, with a normal range of roughly 279–292 days depending on breed, the individual cow, and the calf’s sex. British breeds like Angus tend to run a couple of days shorter, while Brahman-influenced cattle commonly run a week or more longer. Heifers often calve a day or two earlier than mature cows bred the same day.
Typical management windows for planning — health decisions belong with your veterinarian.
Printable cattle gestation chart (283-day average)
Print this and tack it by the breeding pen — or use the free HerdFlo app to get the exact date for any breeding, breed-adjusted, with calendar reminders.
| Bred | Calving |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Oct 11 |
| Jan 8 | Oct 18 |
| Jan 15 | Oct 25 |
| Jan 22 | Nov 1 |
| Jan 31 | Nov 10 |
| Feb 1 | Nov 11 |
| Feb 8 | Nov 18 |
| Feb 15 | Nov 25 |
| Feb 22 | Dec 2 |
| Feb 28 | Dec 8 |
| Mar 1 | Dec 9 |
| Mar 8 | Dec 16 |
| Mar 15 | Dec 23 |
| Mar 22 | Dec 30 |
| Mar 31 | Jan 8 * |
| Apr 1 | Jan 9 * |
| Apr 8 | Jan 16 * |
| Apr 15 | Jan 23 * |
| Apr 22 | Jan 30 * |
| Apr 30 | Feb 7 * |
| May 1 | Feb 8 * |
| May 8 | Feb 15 * |
| May 15 | Feb 22 * |
| May 22 | Mar 1 * |
| May 31 | Mar 10 * |
| Jun 1 | Mar 11 * |
| Jun 8 | Mar 18 * |
| Jun 15 | Mar 25 * |
| Jun 22 | Apr 1 * |
| Jun 30 | Apr 9 * |
| Jul 1 | Apr 10 * |
| Jul 8 | Apr 17 * |
| Jul 15 | Apr 24 * |
| Jul 22 | May 1 * |
| Jul 31 | May 10 * |
| Aug 1 | May 11 * |
| Aug 8 | May 18 * |
| Aug 15 | May 25 * |
| Aug 22 | Jun 1 * |
| Aug 31 | Jun 10 * |
| Sep 1 | Jun 11 * |
| Sep 8 | Jun 18 * |
| Sep 15 | Jun 25 * |
| Sep 22 | Jul 2 * |
| Sep 30 | Jul 10 * |
| Oct 1 | Jul 11 * |
| Oct 8 | Jul 18 * |
| Oct 15 | Jul 25 * |
| Oct 22 | Aug 1 * |
| Oct 31 | Aug 10 * |
| Nov 1 | Aug 11 * |
| Nov 8 | Aug 18 * |
| Nov 15 | Aug 25 * |
| Nov 22 | Sep 1 * |
| Nov 30 | Sep 9 * |
| Dec 1 | Sep 10 * |
| Dec 8 | Sep 17 * |
| Dec 15 | Sep 24 * |
| Dec 22 | Oct 1 * |
| Dec 31 | Oct 10 * |
* lands in the following calendar year. Table uses the 283-day average; individual animals vary (279–292 days, and breed shifts it — use the calculator above for breed-specific dates).
Common questions
How long is a cow pregnant?
About 283 days on average — just over nine months. The normal range is roughly 279–292 days depending on breed and the individual animal. Angus average around 281 days, Holsteins around 279, and Brahman cattle can average 292.
How do I calculate a calving date?
Add the gestation length to the breeding (service) date. For the standard 283-day average: a cow bred January 1 is due around October 11. Use the calculator above for any date and breed, or print the chart for the barn wall.
When should I preg-check after breeding?
Most producers confirm pregnancy by palpation or ultrasound from about 30–45 days after breeding. Blood tests can detect pregnancy from about 28 days. Ask your veterinarian what fits your operation.
When should a dairy cow be dried off?
A common target is about 60 days before the expected calving date, giving the udder time to rest and rebuild before the next lactation. Your vet or dairy advisor may adjust this for production level.
Track the whole herd, not just one date
HerdFlo Pro adds animal records, breeding-to-calving tracking, weaning weights, and a treatment log with withdrawal dates. Join the launch list in the free app.