Calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR) to measure livestock feed efficiency. Lower FCR means less feed needed per kg of weight gain — directly improving profitability.
Quick answer: FCR = Total feed ÷ Total weight gain. Beef FCR 6-10, Pigs 2.5-3.5, Poultry 1.5-1.8. Improving FCR by 0.5 saves $50-100 per tonne of feed.
🍽️ Calculate Feed Conversion Ratio
All feed given to the animal(s)
Live weight gain or egg production
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Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
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Efficiency Status
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Feed Cost per kg Gain
📐 How Feed Conversion Ratio Is Calculated
FCR = Total Feed Consumed (kg) ÷ Total Weight Gain (kg) For layers: FCR = Feed (kg) ÷ Eggs (dozen)
Weigh all feed given — over the measurement period
Weigh animals at start and end — or record total gain
Divide feed by gain — this is your FCR
Compare to benchmarks — identify improvement opportunities
📊 Worked Example
A beef feedlot finishes 100 steers. Total feed consumed: 100,000 kg. Total weight gain: 20,000 kg.
FCR = 100,000 ÷ 20,000 = 5.0 Feed cost @ $400/t = $400 × 5.0 = $2,000 per tonne of gain
If FCR improves from 6.0 to 5.0, feed cost per steer drops from $480 to $400 — saving $80 per animal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
FCR = Total feed consumed ÷ Total weight gain. Example: A steer eats 1,000 kg of feed and gains 250 kg = FCR of 4.0. Lower FCR means better efficiency.
Use higher quality feed. Reduce feed waste. Improve genetics. Manage health (parasites, disease). Optimise housing conditions. Feed more frequently in smaller amounts.
RFI measures feed efficiency independent of growth rate. Animals with low RFI eat less than expected. Selecting for low RFI can reduce feed costs by 10-15%.