Feed conversion
Feed Conversion Ratio (often abbreviated as FCR) is a measure of an animal's efficiency in converting feed inputs into desired outputs. It is used in the field of animal husbandry and aquaculture to quantify the efficiency of converting feed into increases in the desired output. For animals, it may be the ratio of feed intake to the gain in weight. In aquaculture, it may be the ratio of feed intake to the gain in biomass.
Definition[edit | edit source]
The Feed Conversion Ratio is defined as the ratio of the quantity of feed consumed by an animal or group of animals to the quantity of the desired output produced. The desired output may be weight gain, egg production, milk production, or any other measurable product. The lower the FCR, the more efficient the animal is in converting feed into the desired output.
Calculation[edit | edit source]
The calculation of the Feed Conversion Ratio is straightforward. It is the total weight of the feed consumed divided by the total weight of the output produced. For example, if a chicken consumes 2 kg of feed and produces 1 kg of weight gain, the FCR is 2.
Factors affecting FCR[edit | edit source]
Several factors can affect the Feed Conversion Ratio. These include the quality of the feed, the health of the animal, the breed of the animal, and the conditions in which the animal is kept. Improving any of these factors can lead to a lower (better) FCR.
Importance in animal husbandry[edit | edit source]
The Feed Conversion Ratio is a critical measure in animal husbandry. It is used to compare the efficiency of different breeds of animals, different feeds, and different management practices. A lower FCR is generally desirable, as it means that less feed is required to produce a given amount of output. This can lead to lower costs and higher profits for the farmer.
Importance in aquaculture[edit | edit source]
In aquaculture, the Feed Conversion Ratio is also a critical measure. It is used to compare the efficiency of different species of fish, different feeds, and different management practices. As in animal husbandry, a lower FCR is generally desirable.
See also[edit | edit source]
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