Feed Conversion Ratio Calculator
Calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR) and determine pounds of feed required per pound of weight gain.
Inputs
How It Works
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) = Total Feed Intake ÷ Total Weight Gain
Lower FCR indicates better feed efficiency.
Feed Efficiency = 1 ÷ FCR
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FAQ
What is feed conversion ratio?
Feed conversion ratio measures the amount of feed required to produce one pound of body weight gain.
What is a good FCR?
Beef cattle often range from 6 to 8, swine 2.5 to 3.5, and poultry 1.5 to 2.0 depending on production systems.
Why is FCR important?
FCR directly impacts feed cost per pound of gain and overall livestock profitability.
Understanding Feed Conversion Ratio in Livestock Production
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is a critical performance metric used to evaluate feed efficiency in livestock production systems. It represents the number of pounds of feed required to produce one pound of body weight gain. Lower FCR values indicate improved efficiency and reduced feed costs per unit of gain.
Monitoring feed conversion helps producers assess ration quality, animal genetics, health status, and overall management practices. Even small improvements in FCR can significantly impact profitability due to feed being one of the largest production expenses.
Typical FCR values vary by species and production system. Beef cattle often range from 6 to 8, swine between 2.5 and 3.5, and poultry may achieve 1.5 to 2.0. Using a feed conversion ratio calculator allows producers to quickly evaluate performance and identify opportunities to improve feed efficiency and reduce costs.