Feed conversion ratio

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) is a measure used in the livestock and poultry industries to quantify the efficiency with which animals convert animal feed into desired output such as meat, milk, or eggs. It is calculated by dividing the amount of feed consumed by the animal by the amount of desired output produced.

Definition

The Feed Conversion Ratio is defined as the ratio of inputs (feed) to outputs (desired product). It is a measure of an animal's efficiency in converting feed mass into the mass of the desired output. The lower the FCR, the more efficient the animal is at converting feed into the desired output.

Calculation

The FCR is calculated by dividing the mass of the feed consumed by the animal by the mass of the desired output produced. For example, if a chicken consumes 2 kilograms of feed and produces 1 kilogram of meat, the FCR would be 2.

Factors affecting FCR

Several factors can affect the FCR, including the quality of the feed, the age and health of the animal, and the conditions in which the animal is raised. For example, animals that are stressed or unhealthy may have a higher FCR, as they are less efficient at converting feed into the desired output.

Importance in livestock and poultry industries

The FCR is an important measure in the livestock and poultry industries, as it can significantly impact the profitability of these operations. A lower FCR means that less feed is required to produce the same amount of output, which can result in cost savings for the producer. Additionally, a lower FCR is generally associated with a lower environmental impact, as less feed production and waste are involved.

See also

• Livestock
• Poultry farming
• Animal feed
• Agriculture