Pig Feed Conversion Ratio Calculator

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) = total feed consumed (kg or lb) / total weight gained (kg or lb). FCR measures how efficiently a pig converts feed into body weight. A lower FCR means better efficiency. Industry benchmark FCR for grow-finish pigs is 2.5-3.0 according to Iowa State University Extension swine production data.

According to Iowa State University Extension, well-managed modern commercial grow-finish operations achieve FCR of 2.3-2.7. Older or less intensive systems typically see FCR of 3.0-3.5. Breeding stock, lactating sows, and young pigs have higher FCRs. UCDavis Extension notes that genetic improvements and precision nutrition continue to lower FCR in commercial swine.

Record total feed delivered to a group of pigs over the grow-finish period (weigh all feed, including wastage if possible). Weigh pigs at the start and end of the period. FCR = total feed / (ending weight - starting weight). Use the same units throughout (all kg or all lb).

Key factors include: genetics (breed and selection index), diet formulation and energy density, health status (disease reduces FCR), feeder type and adjustment (wastage increases apparent FCR), temperature and ventilation (pigs in cold environments use energy for heat rather than growth), and age and weight range of pigs.

FCR = feed / gain. Feed efficiency (FE) = gain / feed, which is the reciprocal. Lower FCR = better; higher FE = better. Some nutritionists use FE to express the same concept in a more intuitive direction. Both metrics appear in US and international swine production literature.