How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose total feed consumed.
- Enter or choose birds placed.
- Enter or choose birds at the end (sold or weighed).
- Enter or choose average live weight.
- Enter or choose average weight at placement.
- The feed conversion ratio updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
FCR = Feed ÷ (Birds at end × Average weight); EPEF = Livability% × Weight (kg) × 100 ÷ (Age × FCR)
- Feed
- all feed delivered minus feed left over, kg
- Livability
- birds at end ÷ birds placed × 100
- Age
- days from placement to the end
Worked example
- Live weight = 9,600 × 2.4 = 23,040 kg; FCR = 39,168 ÷ 23,040 = 1.70.
- Livability = 9,600 ÷ 10,000 = 96%.
- EPEF = 96 × 2.4 × 100 ÷ (40 × 1.70) = 23,040 ÷ 68 = 338.8.
The flock converted feed at 1.70 kg per kg of live weight, with 96% livability and an EPEF of about 339.
What the result means
Compare FCR only between flocks of similar age and weight, because FCR rises as birds grow. EPEF lets you compare flocks finished at different ages; your breed’s performance objectives give the targets.
Assumptions and limits
- Feed consumed excludes feed left in bins and tanks at the end.
- FCR uses live weight of the birds at the end, not of birds that died.
- Mortality-adjusted FCR (adding the weight of dead birds) is not calculated.
Questions
Why are there two FCR figures?
The usual FCR divides feed by live weight at the end. FCR on gain subtracts the chicks’ starting weight, which matters more for short cycles.
What is a good EPEF?
Higher is better. Targets depend on breed, climate and market weight, so compare with your own past flocks and your breed company’s objectives.