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Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Calculator

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Calculator

Measure livestock efficiency by calculating the amount of feed needed to produce 1 kg of meat, eggs, or milk

Input Parameters
For eggs/milk, enter the total production weight.
$
$
The selling price per kg of meat, eggs, or milk.
About the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Calculator

The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Calculator helps livestock and aquaculture producers evaluate the efficiency of their feed practices. It shows how much feed is needed to produce a unit of weight gain and provides economic insights such as feed cost per kg of gain and profit per animal.

Formulas Used

1. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR):
FCR = Total Feed Consumed ÷ Weight Gain

2. Feed Efficiency:
Feed Efficiency = Weight Gain ÷ Total Feed Consumed

3. Feed Cost per kg Gain:
Feed Cost × FCR

4. Total Feed Cost:
Feed Cost × Total Feed × Number of Animals

5. Feed Cost as % of Revenue:
(Total Feed Cost ÷ (Market Price × Weight Gain × Number of Animals)) × 100

6. Profit per Animal:
(Weight Gain × Market Price) − (Feed Consumed × Feed Cost)

Example
  • Feed Consumed: 5 kg
  • Weight Gain: 2 kg
  • Feed Cost: $0.50/kg
  • Market Price: $3.00/kg

FCR = 5 ÷ 2 = 2.5
Feed Efficiency = 2 ÷ 5 = 0.4 (or 40%)
Feed Cost/kg Gain = 0.5 × 2.5 = $1.25
Profit per Animal = (2 × 3.00) − (5 × 0.5) = $6.00 − $2.50 = $3.50

How to Use This Calculator
Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Enter the initial weight of your animals
  2. Input the final weight after the feeding period
  3. Enter the total feed consumed during the period
  4. Select the appropriate weight units (pounds or kilograms)
  5. Click Calculate to view your results
  6. Review the FCR and feed efficiency metrics
  7. Compare results with industry benchmarks
  8. Save or export your calculations for record-keeping
Tips for Accurate Measurements
  • Weigh animals at the same time of day
  • Account for feed waste in your calculations
  • Keep detailed records of feed intake
  • Consider environmental factors affecting feed efficiency
  • Monitor trends over multiple feeding periods
Pro Tip: For most accurate results, weigh animals before morning feeding and track feed intake daily.
Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal FCR varies by species and production type. For beef cattle, an FCR of 5.5-6.5 is considered good, while broiler chickens typically aim for 1.5-1.7. Lower FCR values indicate better feed efficiency. Factors like genetics, feed quality, environment, and management all influence FCR.

For most operations, calculating FCR every 2-4 weeks provides good monitoring while allowing time for meaningful changes to appear. However, daily feed intake records should be maintained for accuracy. More frequent calculations may be needed during critical growth periods or when testing new feed programs.

Several strategies can improve FCR: optimize feed quality and nutrition, maintain proper environmental conditions, prevent disease through good health management, reduce feed waste, select genetics for feed efficiency, and ensure proper feed processing and presentation. Regular monitoring and adjustments are key to maintaining good FCR.

Yes, include all feed delivered to get an accurate picture of your operation's efficiency. This helps identify potential waste issues and true feed costs. However, it's useful to note estimated waste percentages separately to help identify areas for improvement in feed delivery and management.

Temperature, humidity, ventilation, and housing conditions significantly impact FCR. Animals use more energy maintaining body temperature in extreme conditions, reducing feed efficiency. Stress from poor environmental conditions can also decrease feed intake and growth. Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for good FCR.