Feed Conversion Ratio and Average Daily Gain
Two production metrics from a feeding period.
Example
You enter
- Initial weight (lb) 650
- Final weight (lb) 1250
- Days on feed 200
- Total feed fed, as-fed (lb) 3900
You get
- Average daily gain 3 lb/day
- Feed conversion ratio 6.5
Checked against published worked examples from: USDA / land-grant extension (animal science).
Details, formula, and sources
ScopeAverage daily gain ADG = (final - initial weight)/days, and feed conversion ratio FCR = total feed / total gain (lb of feed per lb of gain). A steer going 650 to 1,250 lb over 200 days on 3,900 lb of feed gains 3.0 lb/day at a 6.5:1 FCR. Enter feed as-fed (standard); a lower FCR is more efficient, and FCR rises as an animal finishes. A benchmarking aid; the ration, breed, and environment govern.
Formula or tabletotal_gain = final_weight - initial_weight; ADG = total_gain / days_on_feed; FCR = total_feed / total_gain (lb feed per lb gain).
Source and editionStandard livestock production metrics (average daily gain, feed conversion ratio) per USDA / land-grant extension animal-science references, by name.
Free accessADG and FCR are standard extension-published production formulas.
What governsEstimate. AHJ and licensed professional govern.
API field namesinitial_weight_lb, final_weight_lb, days_on_feed, total_feed_lb, average_daily_gain_lb, feed_conversion_ratio
- ADG (final - initial weight) / days on feedanimal-science convention
- FCR total feed / total gain, lb feed per lb gain; lower is more efficientanimal-science convention
- Feed basis as-fed is standard; convert to dry matter with the ration DM fractionfeeding practice