To make comparison possible, animals are converted to the same unit. This is called Livestock Unit (LU). One LU denotes the feed requirement of a standard animal of a certain live weight (usually 550 kg). With LU it is possible to compare feed needs for sheep, goats, calves and other animals with those of dairy cows. LU helps to calculate and plan the quantity of feed for a herd during a certain period. It also helps to determine how many animals can be placed on a certain field.
Type of livestock LU Norm (average Dutch herd)
Cow – in lactation 1 88%
Cow – dry 1 12%
Heifer > 18 month 0.8 40%
Yearling 12-18 month 0.6 14%
Calf 3-12 month 0.4 20%
Calf 1-3 month 0.3 20%
Calf 0-1 month 0.3 10%
Bullock 0.8
Donkey 0.7
Sheep, goat 0.1
Horse, buffalo, mule 1.0
Camel 1.1