Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Calculator
Calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed cost per kg of live weight gained, and feed efficiency for any livestock species.
Results
What is it?
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) measures how efficiently an animal converts feed into body mass. FCR = feed consumed ÷ weight gained. Lower FCR = more efficient. Feed cost per kg of gain = FCR × feed price per kg. Improving FCR by 0.1 can save hundreds of dollars per tonne of production.
How to use
Enter the total feed consumed and live weight gained over the same period (both using the same unit). Enter the feed cost per kg. The calculator returns FCR, feed cost per kg of gain, and feed efficiency percentage.
Example scenario
100 kg feed → 25 kg weight gain: FCR = 4.0. At $0.40/kg feed: feed cost per kg of gain = $1.60. This is in the range for growing cattle (FCR 4–6). Broiler chickens at FCR 1.7 with $0.40/kg feed cost only $0.68 per kg gain — explaining poultry's economic dominance in protein production.
Pro tip
Species benchmarks: Broiler chickens FCR ≈ 1.7–1.9 · Pigs ≈ 2.5–3.0 · Beef cattle ≈ 6–8 · Tilapia ≈ 1.5–1.8 · Salmon ≈ 1.1–1.3. Factors improving FCR: feed quality and amino acid balance, correct feeding frequency, minimal heat/cold stress, disease prevention, and genetic selection. Track FCR at the batch/pen level to identify underperforming groups early.