Does better FCR mean more profit?
A lower feed conversion ratio describes improved feed efficiency under the definition being used. Economic value also depends on feed price and intervention cost. Keep the FCR definition and accounting period consistent.
A worked example
This hypothetical comparison holds the live-weight denominator at 100,000 kg in both scenarios. Mortality, sales revenue and other costs are unchanged. Base feed stays at $400 per tonne; the additive costs $10 per tonne of feed and is shown separately.
| Measure | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| FCR | 1.65 | 1.60 |
| Feed consumed | 165,000 kg | 160,000 kg |
| Feed price / metric tonne | $400 | $400 |
| Feed cost before additive | $66,000 | $64,000 |
| Additive cost ($10 / tonne) | $0 | $1,600 |
| Total feed and additive cost | $66,000 | $65,600 |
5 tonnes less feed, but only $400 net feed-cost savings.
Find the break-even feed-plus-additive price
$66,000 ÷ 160 tonnes = $412.50 per tonne. At this price, feed costs are equal. Above it, the improved FCR costs more in this example.
Before using the result
Check whether your FCR uses live weight sold or weight gain, and whether mortality adjustments are included. Do not mix these definitions. If weight, mortality or selling price changes, compare total flock margin in the Feed Additive ROI calculator.
Original educational calculation; not a product-efficacy claim. The reference below supports record keeping, not the invented numerical example.
The basis used by these calculators
Both calculators use whole-flock FCR = total feed used ÷ live weight sold, without mortality correction. Total feed used includes feed consumed before birds died and charged feed wastage. It is an economic feed-use measure, not necessarily a measurement of feed actually eaten.
Weight-gain FCR uses the increase in weight over a defined period. Do not enter weight-gain or mortality-corrected FCR directly into these calculators as though it were FCR on live weight sold.
Choose your input method
Enter FCR directly for a planned scenario, or enter recorded total feed used in kilograms for a completed flock. The calculator derives FCR from that quantity and the live weight sold. Recorded-feed quantities convert between kilograms and pounds with the measurement-system toggle.
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