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Broiler intake and feed conversion

See how many kilos of feed the batch consumes per kilo of live weight gained, and what that costs.

Pre-sizing and estimating tool: the results do not replace a design, calculation, or report signed by a qualified professional, nor verification against the applicable standards.

Preliminary estimateRevision 12/11/2026
Housing and mortality
Weight and feed

Use the feed actually consumed, minus leftovers. The default values are examples only.

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—Intake and feed conversion
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Feed cost per kilo live weight by conversion

Feed cost per kg of live weight for conversions of 1.6 to 2.0; the highlighted bar is yours.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Feed cost per kilo by price

Cost per kg live weight for feed prices of R$ 1.00 to R$ 2.50; the point is your price.

Tap the chart to see the values.

What if the data changes?

Drag the controls to simulate data different from what you entered (from 30% less to 30% more) and watch the result change instantly.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Feed cost per kg live weight by conversion and price

Feed cost per kilo of live weight for conversions of 1.6 to 2.0 and different feed prices.

Step by step with your numbers

The calculation done in steps, with the values you entered.

    The calculation memo gathers this page's inputs, results, equations, assumptions, and references, with fields for project, responsible person, and review. The full report also includes the charts and interpretations, in color. In the print window, choose Save as PDF.

    How to use

    Enter the birds housed, the batch mortality, the initial and final average weights, the feed consumed in the cycle, and the feed price. The calculator shows the conversion, the live weight gain, and the feed cost per live kilo.

    Worked example

    20,000 birds housed, 4% mortality, initial weight of 0.045 kg and final weight of 2.5 kg, 81,000 kg of feed and a price of R$ 1.60 per kg.

    Live birds = 20,000 × 0.96 = 19,200. Gain = 19,200 × 2.5 − 20,000 × 0.045 = 48,000 − 900 = 47,100 kg. Conversion = 81,000 ÷ 47,100 = 1.72. Cost per kg live weight = 1.72 × 1.60 = R$ 2.75.

    Precautions

    • Weigh the leftover feed at the end of the batch. Estimating leftovers gets the conversion wrong.
    • High mortality hurts twice: it reduces gain and increases feed per kg sold.
    • For the batch index, see the production efficiency index (IEP).

    Method, assumptions, and references

    Equations used

    Feed conversion = Feed consumed (kg) ÷ Live weight gain (kg)
    Live weight gain (kg) = Live birds × Final average weight − Birds housed × Initial average weight
    Feed cost per kg live weight (R$) = Conversion × Feed price (R$/kg)

    Assumptions and limits

    • Live birds = birds housed minus those that died in the period.
    • Feed consumed is the feed delivered minus leftovers, weighed at the end of the batch.
    • Average feed price for the cycle, excluding freight and feeder losses.

    Standards and technical documents

    • Performance tables for the strain used and the manufacturer’s management manual (current editions).

    Frequently asked questions

    Why is feed conversion measured with live weight?

    Because it is the weight sold. The calculation uses the batch's live weight gain, minus dead birds, and not the weight of a single bird.

    Is the feed delivered the same as the feed eaten?

    No. Deduct the leftovers that stayed in the silo or along the feed line. Without that weighing, the conversion comes out optimistic.

    What worsens conversion the most?

    High mortality, poorly stored feed, excess heat, and density above the adequate level. Each one increases the feed per kg gained.

    Can I use the previous batch's conversion to budget the next one?

    Yes, as a starting point. Adjust for the line, the season and the health history.