Feed Intake Calculator
Estimate livestock daily feed intake based on body weight and intake percentage.
Inputs
How It Works
Daily Intake per Head = Body Weight × Intake %
Total Herd Intake = Daily Intake × Number of Head
Intake percentage varies by species and production stage.
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FAQ
What is typical feed intake?
Beef cattle commonly consume 2–3% of body weight daily, while dairy cattle may consume 3–4% depending on production level.
Why calculate herd intake?
Total herd intake helps with feed budgeting, inventory planning, and cost projections.
Does intake vary seasonally?
Yes. Environmental conditions, forage quality, and production stage can influence intake levels.
Understanding Livestock Feed Intake
Feed intake is one of the most important drivers of livestock performance and profitability. It represents the amount of feed animals consume daily and directly influences growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and overall production outcomes. This feed intake calculator estimates daily consumption per head and total herd intake based on body weight and intake percentage.
Livestock typically consume feed as a percentage of body weight. Beef cattle often average 2 to 3 percent of body weight per day, while dairy cattle may consume higher percentages due to milk production demands. Intake levels can also vary based on forage quality, ration energy density, environmental temperature, and animal genetics.
Calculating total herd feed intake supports feed inventory planning, cost management, and purchasing decisions. Even small changes in intake or feed price can significantly affect overall production costs. By using a feed intake calculator, producers can improve budgeting accuracy and optimize nutrition management strategies across their operation.