The Feedlot Ratio Calculator is a specialized tool used in animal agriculture to analyze performance and profitability. It helps farmers and feedlot managers track how efficiently livestock converts feed into body weight, determine cost-effectiveness of feeding, and evaluate overall profit ratios.
By using this calculator, you can quickly assess key production metrics like feed conversion ratio (FCR), cost of gain, and even overall return on investment. These figures are essential for making data-backed decisions in commercial feedlot operations.
formula of Feedlot Ratio Calculator
1. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR):
FCR = Total Feed Intake / Total Weight Gain
Where:
- Total Feed Intake = feed consumed during the feeding period (kg or lbs)
- Total Weight Gain = final weight − initial weight (kg or lbs)
A lower FCR means the animal is converting feed more efficiently. For instance, an FCR of 5 means the animal required 5 kg of feed to gain 1 kg of body weight.
2. Cost of Gain Ratio:
Cost of Gain = Total Feed Cost / Total Weight Gain
Where:
- Total Feed Cost = feed consumed × feed price (in $)
- Total Weight Gain = gain in body weight over feedlot period
This ratio tells you how much money it costs to add 1 unit of weight. Lower values indicate better economic performance.
3. Profit-to-Cost Ratio (Optional):
Feedlot Ratio = Net Profit / Total Costs
Where:
- Net Profit = sale value − purchase price − all expenses
- Total Costs = sum of feed, labor, veterinary, yardage, and overhead costs
A ratio greater than 1 signals profitability. For example, a ratio of 1.25 implies a 25% return on costs.
Common Reference Table
| Metric | Good Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| FCR (Beef Cattle) | 5.5 – 7.0 | Lower is better; 5.5 means high efficiency |
| Cost of Gain ($/kg) | 1.50 – 2.20 | Varies by region and feed price |
| Feed Intake (kg/day) | 10 – 15 | Typical range for finishing cattle |
| Profit-to-Cost Ratio | >1.0 | >1.0 = Profit; <1.0 = Loss |
| Days on Feed | 120 – 160 | Standard feedlot duration |
| Final Market Weight | 550 – 600 kg | Standard for market-ready cattle |
These values are general benchmarks and may vary based on cattle breed, diet, and region.
Example of Feedlot Ratio Calculator
Let’s calculate for one steer in a feedlot:
- Initial Weight = 600 lbs
- Final Weight = 1300 lbs
- Total Feed Intake = 3,300 lbs
- Feed Price = $0.10/lb
- Sale Price = $1.70/lb
- Purchase Price = $1.40/lb
- Other Costs = $120
Step-by-Step:
1. Total Weight Gain = 1300 − 600 = 700 lbs
2. FCR = 3300 / 700 = 4.71
3. Feed Cost = 3300 × 0.10 = $330
4. Cost of Gain = 330 / 700 = $0.47/lb
5. Sale Value = 1300 × 1.70 = $2,210
6. Purchase Cost = 600 × 1.40 = $840
7. Net Profit = 2,210 − 840 − 330 − 120 = $920
8. Total Costs = 840 + 330 + 120 = $1,290
9. Profit-to-Cost Ratio = 920 / 1290 ≈ 0.71
The FCR is efficient, and the cost of gain is low, but a profit-to-cost ratio below 1 suggests that expenses outweigh the returns in this case.
Most Common FAQs
An FCR of around 5.5 to 6.5 is generally considered efficient in commercial beef production. Lower numbers indicate better feed conversion.
Lower cost of gain improves profit margins. If feed prices rise, your cost of gain increases, making it crucial to manage feed efficiency.
Yes. It provides clear insights for all types of feedlot operations and supports smarter decisions on feed strategies, pricing, and profit planning.