When FCR is the wrong performance metric for a poultry integrator

Feed conversion measures biological efficiency, but it does not necessarily identify the flock producing the greatest quantity or value of saleable poultry meat.

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Ioannis Mavromichalis
September 28, 2026
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kharhan | BigStock.com

The farm with the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) is not always the most profitable farm. I have seen managers celebrate an excellent FCR while the processing plant complained about low weights, poor uniformity or an unsuitable carcass mix. The production report looked good. The commercial result was less impressive.

FCR measures kilograms of feed consumed per kilogram of live-weight gain. It remains an essential biological indicator, and I would never suggest ignoring it. But it says nothing directly about feed price, mortality, growing time, carcass yield, downgrades, stocking density or the value of the products leaving the processing plant.

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