Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Calculator

Analyze Animal Feed Efficiency & Performance

Calculate the feed conversion ratio (FCR) for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and more. Enter feed intake, weight gain, and optional cost to assess efficiency and profitability.

Examples

See how FCR is calculated for different animal production systems.

Broiler Chicken Batch

Broiler Chicken Batch

A group of 100 broiler chickens consumed 15,000 kg of feed and gained 6,000 kg in 42 days.

Feed Intake: 15000 kg

Weight Gain: 6000 kg

Number of Animals: 100

Feed Cost: 4500 USD

Period: 42 days

Beef Cattle Pen

Beef Cattle Pen

A pen of 20 beef cattle consumed 32,000 lb of feed and gained 8,000 lb in 120 days.

Feed Intake: 32000 lb

Weight Gain: 8000 lb

Number of Animals: 20

Feed Cost: 7200 USD

Period: 120 days

Tilapia Pond

Tilapia Pond

A pond of tilapia consumed 2,500 kg of feed and gained 1,000 kg in 90 days.

Feed Intake: 2500 kg

Weight Gain: 1000 kg

Number of Animals: 5000

Feed Cost: 1200 USD

Period: 90 days

Swine Group

Swine Group

A group of 50 pigs consumed 10,000 kg of feed and gained 4,000 kg in 100 days.

Feed Intake: 10000 kg

Weight Gain: 4000 kg

Number of Animals: 50

Feed Cost: 3500 USD

Period: 100 days

Other Titles
Understanding Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): A Comprehensive Guide
Master animal feed efficiency with FCR insights, step-by-step usage, real-world applications, and mathematical examples.

What is Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)?

  • Definition and Importance
  • FCR in Different Animal Systems
  • Relation to Feed Efficiency
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is a key metric in animal production, measuring how efficiently animals convert feed into body mass. Lower FCR values indicate better efficiency.
Why FCR Matters
FCR is used in livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and research to benchmark performance, optimize nutrition, and improve profitability.

FCR in Practice

  • A broiler chicken batch with FCR 1.8 is more efficient than one with FCR 2.2.
  • Fish farms use FCR to monitor feed management.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the FCR Calculator

  • Input Requirements
  • Unit Selection and Consistency
  • Interpreting Results
How to Use the Calculator
Enter total feed intake and weight gain, select units, and optionally provide animal count and feed cost. The calculator computes FCR and related metrics instantly.

Step-by-Step Examples

  • Input 1500 kg feed and 600 kg gain for FCR = 2.5.
  • Add feed cost to see economic FCR.

Real-World Applications of FCR

  • Livestock and Poultry Production
  • Aquaculture and Fish Farming
  • Economic and Environmental Impact
FCR is vital for farm management, cost control, and sustainability. It helps producers benchmark, optimize, and compare animal performance across systems.
Industry Use Cases

Industry Examples

  • Dairy farms track FCR to improve milk yield.
  • Swine producers use FCR to reduce feed costs.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Unit Consistency
  • Group vs. Individual FCR
  • Economic FCR Calculation
Avoiding Calculation Errors
Always use consistent units for feed and weight. For group FCR, use total feed and total gain for the group. Economic FCR requires accurate feed cost data.

Correct Calculation Tips

  • Do not mix kg and lb in the same calculation.
  • Divide total feed by total gain, not by average gain.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • FCR Formula
  • Feed Efficiency Calculation
  • Worked Examples
FCR and Feed Efficiency Formulas
FCR = Total Feed Intake / Total Weight Gain. Feed Efficiency (FE) = Total Weight Gain / Total Feed Intake. Economic FCR = Feed Cost / Total Weight Gain.

Mathematical Examples

  • If 10,000 kg feed yields 4,000 kg gain, FCR = 2.5.
  • If feed cost is $3,500, economic FCR = $0.875/kg gain.