Poultry Feed Conversion Ratio Calculator
The feed conversion ratio (FCR) is the single most important production efficiency metric in commercial poultry farming. It measures how effectively a flock converts feed into body weight by dividing the total feed consumed by the total weight gained over the same period. A lower FCR means the birds are converting feed more efficiently, directly reducing feed costs per unit of output. Modern broilers with optimized nutrition and genetics achieve FCR values of around 1.5 to 1.9. This calculator computes FCR and its inverse (feed efficiency) from your input of total feed used and total weight gained, in any consistent weight unit.
Feed conversion ratio formula
FCR = Total feed consumed / Total weight gained
Feed efficiency (%) = (1 / FCR) x 100
Feed and weight gain must be in the same units (both kg or both lb). The formula applies equally to broilers, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry species. Compare FCR values across flocks in the same weight unit for meaningful benchmarking.
Factors affecting poultry FCR
- Diet quality: energy density, amino acid balance, and digestibility strongly influence FCR.
- Health: disease challenges increase FCR as energy is diverted to immune response rather than growth.
- Temperature: birds in cold environments eat more to maintain body temperature, worsening FCR.
- Genetics: modern commercial broiler strains have been selectively bred for low FCR over decades.
- Water access: inadequate water reduces feed intake and severely impairs FCR and growth.
Poultry feed conversion calculator: frequently asked questions
What is the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in poultry?
FCR is the amount of feed consumed divided by the weight gained over a given period. An FCR of 2.0 means the flock consumed 2 kg of feed for every 1 kg of body weight gained. Lower FCR values indicate better feed efficiency.
What is a good FCR for broiler chickens?
Modern broiler genetics typically achieve FCR values of 1.5 to 1.9 under optimal conditions. Layer hens producing eggs are assessed differently. FCR varies with genetics, diet quality, health status, temperature, and management practices.
Does FCR account for mortality?
Standard FCR divides total feed by total weight gain and does not directly account for mortality. Some producers calculate European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) which does incorporate mortality and livability. This calculator computes the basic FCR.
How do I reduce FCR in my flock?
FCR is improved by using high-quality, nutrient-dense feed matched to the bird's age and production stage; maintaining optimal housing temperature; controlling disease and parasites; ensuring clean water access; and selecting genetics with good feed conversion characteristics.
How is FCR different from feed efficiency?
FCR = feed / gain (lower is better). Feed efficiency is the inverse: gain / feed (higher is better). Both measure the same relationship from opposite directions. FCR is the most common measure in commercial poultry production.
Official sources
- USDA Agricultural Research Service: ARS Homepage.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. National Academies Press: nap.edu.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.