What is a good feed conversion ratio (FCR) for cattle?

Finishing cattle typically convert at 6–8 lbs of feed per lb of gain in a feedlot. Grass-finished or stocker programs run 8–12. Dairy breeds and younger animals tend to be more efficient (lower FCR is better).

How is cost per gain different from feed cost per day?

Feed cost per day tells you the daily expense; cost per gain tells you how efficiently those dollars translate into saleable weight. A cheaper daily feed cost can still be more expensive per pound of gain if the FCR is worse.

Does this calculator account for non-feed costs?

No — it covers feed cost only. Add veterinary, labor, yardage, and interest costs separately to get total cost of gain.

Can I use this for pigs, sheep, or poultry?

Yes. Enter the FCR and feed price typical for your species. Finishing pigs usually run FCR 2.5–3.5; broilers around 1.8–2.2; sheep 5–8.

Why does switching between lb and kg change my FCR?

FCR is a dimensionless ratio (weight of feed / weight of gain), so it stays the same regardless of unit system — only the feed price per unit changes when you switch.

Feed Cost Per Gain Calculator

Enter feed price, feed conversion ratio, and daily gain to calculate the cost per unit of weight gained for cattle, pigs, or other livestock.

Feed & Performance Inputs

Weight Unit

Feed Price ($ per lb)

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) (lb feed / lb gain)

Typical: cattle 6–8, pigs 2.5–3.5, sheep 5–8, broilers 1.8–2.2

Average Daily Gain (ADG) (optional) — lb/day

Results

Enter your values and click Calculate

Summary

Enter feed price, feed conversion ratio, and daily gain to calculate the cost per unit of weight gained for cattle, pigs, or other livestock.

How it works

Enter the feed price per unit (dollars per pound or per kg).
Enter the feed conversion ratio (FCR) — pounds of feed per pound of gain.
Optionally enter average daily gain (ADG) in the same weight unit.
The calculator multiplies feed price × FCR to get cost per unit of gain.
If ADG is provided, daily and 30-day feed cost estimates are also shown.
Switch between lb and kg at any time — all values convert automatically.

Use cases

Compare two feed rations to find the lower cost-of-gain option.
Estimate total feed cost for a finishing period given target gain.
Justify premium feed price by showing improved FCR offsets the cost.
Set break-even live-weight sale price based on feed cost per pound.
Track cost of gain changes as feed commodity prices fluctuate.
Compare backgrounding vs. feedlot programs for stocker cattle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-22 · Reviewed by Nham Vu