Animal Nutrition · Professional feed economics
Feed Cost per Unit of Gain Calculator
Calculate the true feed cost of producing each kilogram or pound of animal weight gain, with optional production-volume, waste, and handling-cost assumptions.
- Free to use
- Runs in your browser
- Level B · Industry formula
- Last reviewed 2026-08-17
Calculator guide
What this calculator helps you solve
Feed price alone does not show the cost of producing weight gain. This calculator combines feed price with feed conversion and, optionally, production scale, feed waste, and handling cost.
Worked example
At $420 per US ton and an FCR of 1.65, feed costs about $0.76 per kilogram of gain before optional waste or handling adjustments.
How to interpret the result
Use the result to compare feed programs, price scenarios, suppliers, or performance changes on a common cost-per-gain basis.
Frequently asked questions
What does feed cost per unit of gain mean?
It is the feed expenditure associated with producing one unit of live-weight gain under the assumptions entered.
Does a lower FCR always mean lower cost?
Not necessarily. A lower FCR can reduce feed required per unit of gain, but the diet itself may cost more. Compare both feed price and FCR.
Why is waste treated separately?
Waste or shrink increases the quantity that must be purchased to deliver the feed actually consumed.