Animal Feed Ration Calculator

Balancing livestock feed by hand is time-consuming and easy to get wrong — the Animal Feed Ration Calculator checks whether your feed mix meets your animals' nutritional targets. Select your animal type, enter the average animal weight, and set your target Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). Then enter the name, weight, dry matter, crude protein, TDN, and optional cost per ton for up to two feeds to see your Total Crude Protein, Total TDN, Total Feed Weight, Cost per Ton, and whether your ration meets both the CP and TDN requirements.

lbs
%
%
lbs
%
%
%
lbs
%
%
%

Results

Total Crude Protein

--

Total TDN

--

Total Feed Weight

--

Cost per Ton

--

CP Requirement Status

--

TDN Requirement Status

--

Results Table

More Biology Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) and why is it important?

TDN measures the energy value of feed ingredients. It represents the percentage of feed that can be digested by the animal for energy. Higher TDN values indicate more energy-dense feeds, which are crucial for meeting livestock energy requirements.

How do I determine the right crude protein percentage for my animals?

Crude protein requirements vary by animal type, age, weight, and production stage. Growing animals need 14-18% CP, lactating dairy cows need 16-18%, while mature beef cattle may only need 8-12%. Consult with a nutritionist for specific recommendations.

What happens if my feed mix doesn't meet nutritional requirements?

If your ration is deficient in protein or energy, animals may experience reduced growth, poor reproduction, lower milk production, or health issues. You'll need to adjust feed ratios or add supplements to meet requirements.

How accurate should my feed analysis values be?

Use laboratory-tested values when possible, especially for homegrown feeds. Book values can vary significantly from actual feed composition. Regular testing ensures accurate ration formulation and optimal animal performance.

Can I add more than two feeds to create a balanced ration?

Yes, most commercial rations use 3-8 different ingredients. This calculator focuses on two feeds for simplicity, but you can run multiple calculations to optimize complex mixes with grains, forages, proteins, and supplements.

How does dry matter percentage affect my calculations?

Dry matter removes the water content to give true nutritional comparison. Fresh forages might be 25% DM while grains are 88% DM. Always calculate rations on a dry matter basis for accuracy.

What's the most cost-effective way to balance a ration?

Start with your cheapest feed that meets basic requirements, then add the minimum amount of expensive supplements needed. Consider local feed availability, storage costs, and seasonal price variations in your planning.