Turn feed logs into clear performance metrics fast. Model waste, stocking, harvest, and growth easily. Plan smarter rations for healthier yields across seasons always.
Use this for backyard fish ponds, poultry feed logs, rabbits, or any small growing system where feed and biomass are tracked.
Sample records to understand typical inputs and results.
| System | Feed Offered | Initial Biomass | Final Biomass | Removed | Waste | FCR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard tilapia pond | 25 kg | 80 kg | 100 kg | 0 kg | 5% | 1.1875 |
| Layer hens batch | 18 kg | 45 kg | 52 kg | 0 kg | 3% | 2.4943 |
| Rabbits, partial sale | 12 kg | 20 kg | 24 kg | 2 kg | 4% | 2.3040 |
Lower FCR usually means more growth per unit of feed. Compare runs only when units, species, temperature, and stocking conditions are similar.
Use the download buttons after calculation to save reports. Keep raw feed logs and weighing notes so you can audit improvements.
Feed conversion ratio links what you offer to the growth you actually produce. In backyard ponds, coops, and hutches, feed is usually the largest variable cost. Tracking FCR helps you spot overfeeding, disease stress, poor water quality, or low-energy rations before losses become visible. It also supports budgeting and stocking plans when space is limited.
Use one unit for the entire period and record the same group each time. Weigh biomass at the start and end, then note any stocking or harvest events. The calculator uses a simple mass balance, so missing additions or removals will distort gain and inflate the ratio. If you estimate biomass by counts, keep the same average weight method.
Uneaten pellets, spilled mash, and wind-blown feed can be significant in open garden setups. Apply a waste percentage that matches your management style and container type. Reducing waste by better feeders, shade, or split rations often improves effective feed more than changing diets. Watch for fines, mold, and moisture that reduce intake.
Lower FCR indicates better conversion, but compare only similar conditions. Temperature, stocking density, genetics, and moisture content can shift outcomes. Use the daily feed and daily gain outputs to check whether performance aligns with your growth targets for the season and space constraints. Sudden swings usually indicate measurement errors or a management change.
Run the calculator for each batch or month and download the report to build a history. When FCR rises, review water parameters, forage availability, and feeding schedule. When it falls, document what changed so you can repeat the practice across future cycles. Pair results with notes on weather, ration protein, and mortality for better decisions. Over time, these records let you compare feeds, adjust stocking density, and schedule harvest windows, improving output per square meter without adding labor or increasing water use significantly.
Good ranges depend on species and conditions. Use your own baseline first. Improving feeder control, water quality, and ration freshness typically lowers FCR more reliably than chasing a single universal target.
Stocking and harvest change the group’s total weight. Including them keeps the gain calculation fair, so the ratio reflects feeding performance rather than mid-period transfers.
Use whichever you can measure consistently, but keep it the same for all entries. Changing moisture assumptions between start and end can create false gains or losses.
Start with observation. Check leftover feed after a fixed time, inspect feeders for spills, and adjust the waste factor gradually. Consistent management practices make the estimate more stable.
Yes, if you can track feed input and biomass change. For very small batches, measurement error can dominate, so use longer periods and average multiple runs.
Most issues come from missing removals, mixing units, or entering starting biomass higher than the adjusted ending biomass. Recheck each input, then rerun and compare against your notes.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.