Start / Livestock and aquaculture / Pigs

Pigs: feed conversion and cost per kg

How much each kilo gained costs for the batch, and how much feed conversion weighs in that calculation.

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
Batch performance (per animal)
Costs

Feed conversion (CA) is the feed consumed divided by the weight gain. The lower, the better. Reference values depend on the stage and the genetics.

Data stays only in this browser and is not sent. Uncheck to erase it.

—Feed conversion
—

Cost per kg gained: feed and other costs

Share of each cost in the price per kilo gained.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Cost per kg gained by feed price

How much the cost of the kilo gained rises when the feed price changes.

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.

Cost per kg gained by feed conversion and feed price

Cost per kilo gained for combinations of CA and feed price, with the other costs per animal and the weight gain entered.

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 animals' initial and final weights, the days of rearing, the feed consumed per animal, the feed price, and the other costs per animal. The calculator shows the feed conversion and the cost per kilo gained.

    Hypothetical example

    Initial weight of 25 kg and final weight of 110 kg in 90 days; 245 kg of feed per animal at R$ 1.40/kg; other costs of R$ 25 per animal.

    Gain = 110 − 25 = 85 kg. CA = 245 ÷ 85 = 2.88. Average gain = 0.94 kg/day.

    Feed = 245 × 1.40 = R$ 343; total = R$ 368. Cost per kg gained = 368 ÷ 85 = R$ 4.33.

    Precautions

    • The calculation uses the feed consumed per live animal. Animals that died ate feed without gaining weight; adjust the intake for the number of animals that reached the end.
    • Use the feed price delivered to the feeder, including freight and losses.
    • Check the feed conversion reference for the stage and genetics of your flock.

    Method, assumptions, and references

    Equations used

    Gain (kg) = final weight − initial weight
    Feed conversion (CA) = feed consumed ÷ weight gain
    Cost per kg gained (R$/kg) = (feed consumed × feed price + other costs) ÷ weight gain

    Assumptions and limits

    • Does not separate out mortality: animals that died ate feed without generating gain; adjust the intake for the number of animals finished.
    • Feed price is the delivered price at the feeder; deduct freight and losses, if any.
    • Other costs are allocated per animal; split health, energy and labor according to your spreadsheet.

    Standards and technical documents

    • NRC. Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th ed. Washington: National Academies Press, 2012.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a good CA for pigs?

    It depends on the phase, the genetics, and the diet. Compare with your system's history and with the reference for each phase.

    Why does cost per kg depend so much on feed conversion (CA)?

    Because feed is usually the largest part of the cost. Each extra 0.1 of CA increases the cost per kilo gained.