Feed cost per kg live weight in broilers — how to calculate
Feed typically accounts for 60–70% of broiler production costs, so this single figure decides whether your flock is profitable. One formula, one worked example with real numbers — and you know what to put in your budget.
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To work out how much feed costs per kilogram of broiler sold, you need two numbers: FCR (how many kilograms of feed the bird consumed per kilogram of weight gained) and the feed price per kilogram. This guide is part of the broiler cluster — a broader overview of the whole production cycle is in the guide on broiler farming, and feeding standards are in broiler feeding — norms.
Why does this number matter so much?
Feed absorbs typically 60–70% of all production costs in broiler farming. That means if the feed cost per kilogram of live weight rises by just 10 groszy (PLN cents), your financial result across the whole cycle changes by several thousand zloty — depending on flock size. That is why it is worth knowing how to calculate this figure and how to read it. More on purchase prices and what is left after feed cost is in the guide on broiler purchase prices.
Where do the numbers in this guide come from?
The formula and FCR values refer to generally accepted poultry production economics (FCR as the feed efficiency indicator) and the commercial parameters of the Ross 308 line according to Aviagen documentation (Ross 308 Broiler Performance Objectives). Feed prices and purchase prices given in the examples are EXAMPLES ONLY — use your own, because that is the only figure that matters for your specific flock. The app can calculate the detailed FCR indicators from your flock data — see the Contact section.
How to calculate feed cost per kg live weight — from FCR to the budget
- 1
Establish your FCR
FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio) is the number that tells you how many kilograms of feed the bird consumed per kilogram of weight gained. For example, FCR 1.6 means: 1.6 kg of feed was used for every kilogram of bird weight. The lower the FCR, the better — the bird converts feed into meat more efficiently. Where do you get your FCR? Best from your own flock records: total feed used in the cycle divided by total weight gain of the flock. More on FCR in the guide FCR in broilers — how to calculate. The Ross 308 line under good conditions achieves FCR around 1.55–1.65 — that is a reference point, not a guarantee.
- 2
Establish your feed price per kg
The feed price per kilogram is the price you pay the supplier — from the invoice or price list — divided by the number of kilograms in the delivery. If you buy only one type of feed throughout the cycle, this number is straightforward. If you use several feeds (for example starter for chicks, grower in the middle of the cycle and finisher before sale), you need to calculate a weighted average — Step 3 below. Feed prices change depending on the market and supplier, so always use the current price from your invoice.
- 3
If you have multiple feeds — calculate the weighted average price
When you use starter, grower and finisher at different prices, you cannot simply average the prices arithmetically, because each feed is used in different quantities. The weighted average takes into account how many kilograms of each mix you actually used. Formula: (kg starter × starter price + kg grower × grower price + kg finisher × finisher price) ÷ (kg starter + kg grower + kg finisher). Example with example prices: 500 kg starter at 2.10 PLN/kg + 1,500 kg grower at 1.75 PLN/kg + 800 kg finisher at 1.65 PLN/kg = (500×2.10 + 1500×1.75 + 800×1.65) ÷ 2800 = (1,050 + 2,625 + 1,320) ÷ 2,800 = 4,995 ÷ 2,800 ≈ 1.78 PLN/kg. This is your weighted average feed price. A feed requirement calculator for the whole flock is here: feed requirement calculator — broilers.
- 4
Plug into the formula: FCR × feed price = feed cost per kg live weight
Now just multiply. Formula: feed cost per kg live weight = FCR × feed price [PLN/kg]. Example with example prices: FCR 1.6 × 1.80 PLN/kg feed = 2.88 PLN/kg live weight. This is the feed cost alone for every kilogram of bird sold. At an example purchase price of 4.50 PLN/kg, what remains is 4.50 – 2.88 = 1.62 PLN/kg to cover remaining costs (chicks, heating, litter, labour, vet, etc.) and any profit. Use your own numbers — only then does this calculation make sense for your flock.
Feed cost per kg live weight at various FCR and feed prices
Example table — feed prices are indicative. Use your own data with the formula: FCR × feed price.
FCR 1.50 × 1.80 PLN/kg feed
Feed cost: 1.50 × 1.80 = 2.70 PLN/kg live weight. Very good FCR, achievable under optimal conditions for the Ross 308 line. At a purchase price of 4.50 PLN/kg, 1.80 PLN/kg remains for other costs.
FCR 1.60 × 1.80 PLN/kg feed
Feed cost: 1.60 × 1.80 = 2.88 PLN/kg live weight. A typical good result under standard conditions. At a purchase price of 4.50 PLN/kg, 1.62 PLN/kg remains for other costs. Prices EXAMPLES — use your own.
FCR 1.75 × 1.80 PLN/kg feed
Feed cost: 1.75 × 1.80 = 3.15 PLN/kg live weight. Average to weak result — common with health issues or poor environmental conditions (temperature, litter). At a purchase price of 4.50 PLN/kg only 1.35 PLN/kg remains.
FCR 1.60 × 2.00 PLN/kg feed
Feed cost: 1.60 × 2.00 = 3.20 PLN/kg live weight. Same FCR as above but at a higher feed price. Shows how a 20 gr change in feed price per kg translates to 32 gr more cost per kg live weight. Prices EXAMPLES.
The most common mistakes when calculating feed cost
A few simple errors that cause the number to come out wrong and the budget not to match reality.
Using the catalogue FCR instead of your own
The FCR quoted by the breed supplier (e.g. Ross 308: around 1.55–1.65) is a result achieved under optimal experimental conditions — not a guarantee of results on your farm. Your actual FCR depends on flock health, temperature, litter, feed quality and many other factors. Always calculate cost using your own data from the cycle records.
Simple arithmetic average of feed prices with multiple mixes
If you use starter, grower and finisher in different quantities, a plain arithmetic average (add the prices and divide by 3) gives the wrong answer. You need to calculate a weighted average — each price is multiplied by the number of kilograms of that mix. Step 3 above shows how to do this.
Confusing feed cost with total cost of production
Feed cost per kg live weight is not the same as full cost of production. Also add: chick price, heating and energy, litter, veterinary and medicine, labour, building and equipment depreciation. Feed cost is usually the largest part, but it is only one part.
Not updating when feed price changes
Feed prices change every quarter, and sometimes every month. If you calculate feed cost using prices from six months ago, the result can be wrong by several per cent. Recalculate after each new delivery or whenever the supplier changes its price list.
Frequently asked questions about feed cost per kg live weight in broilers
What is FCR and how do I calculate it?add
FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio) is the feed efficiency indicator — the number that tells you how many kilograms of feed the bird consumed per kilogram of weight gained. Formula: FCR = total feed used in the cycle [kg] ÷ total weight gain of the flock [kg]. The lower the FCR, the better. A detailed description and common pitfalls are in the guide FCR in broilers — how to calculate.
What formula is used to calculate feed cost per kg live weight?add
The formula is simple: feed cost per kg live weight = FCR × feed price per kg. Example with example prices: FCR 1.6 × 1.80 PLN/kg feed = 2.88 PLN/kg live weight. Use your current values — only then does the result make sense.
How do I calculate feed cost when using starter, grower and finisher?add
You need to calculate the weighted average feed price. Formula: (kg starter × starter price + kg grower × grower price + kg finisher × finisher price) ÷ total feed [kg]. The result is your weighted average feed price per kg — that is the figure you put into the formula FCR × feed price. Step 3 in the "Formula step by step" section above gives a concrete example with numbers.
What is a good FCR for a broiler?add
The Ross 308 line under optimal conditions achieves FCR around 1.55–1.65 according to Aviagen documentation. That is a reference value, not a guarantee for your farm — your result depends on flock health, temperature, litter and feed quality. Compare your FCR to previous cycles on the same farm — that is more meaningful than comparing to the catalogue.
How much is left for other costs and profit after subtracting feed cost?add
It depends on the current purchase price and your feed cost. Example with example prices: purchase price 4.50 PLN/kg − feed cost 2.88 PLN/kg = 1.62 PLN/kg left for chicks, heating, litter, vet, labour and any profit. Current purchase prices in your area are in the guide broiler purchase prices. Prices in this example are EXAMPLES ONLY.
How can I reduce the feed cost per kg live weight?add
There are two levers: FCR and feed price. FCR is improved by keeping the flock healthy (fewer diseases = less feed wasted), maintaining good house temperature, keeping litter dry and positioning feeders correctly. Feed price can be negotiated with the supplier (larger orders, fixed contracts) and losses reduced through good storage. More on broiler feeding: broiler feeding — norms.
Calculate feed cost per kg live weight in DlaFerm.pl
The app calculates feed cost per kg live weight from your digital flock card — FCR and feed price from your data, not from a table. Create a free farm account or write to us.
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