Maximize Your Cattle Feeding Efficiency

This calculator helps cattle farmers and ranchers determine the most cost-effective feeding strategies while ensuring proper nutrition for their herd. By comparing different feed types and their nutritional values, you can make informed decisions to reduce costs without compromising animal health and productivity.

Simply select your feed types, enter quantities and prices, and get instant calculations for cost per head and nutritional content including TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients) and protein percentages.

Feed Information

Results

No feed items added yet.

Total Feed Cost
$0.00
Cost per Head
$0.00

Nutritional Summary

Average TDN
0%
Average Protein
0%
Total Pounds
0
Pounds per Head
0

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How accurate are the nutritional values in this calculator?

The calculator uses average nutritional values for common feed types. For precise calculations, we recommend using your feed analysis results and entering them as a "Custom Feed" with your specific TDN and protein percentages.

2. What is TDN and why is it important?

TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients) is a measure of the energy value in feed. It represents the sum of digestible fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrate components. Higher TDN feeds provide more energy for cattle, which is crucial for growth, milk production, and overall health.

3. How often should I recalculate my feed costs?

Feed prices can fluctuate seasonally. We recommend recalculating whenever feed prices change significantly or when you alter your feeding program. Many farmers find it helpful to recalculate monthly to track feeding costs.

4. Can I save my calculations for future reference?

Currently, this calculator operates in your browser session. For record-keeping, we recommend taking screenshots or noting down the results. Future versions may include save/print functionality.

5. How do I interpret the cost per head results?

The cost per head shows how much you're spending to feed each animal in your herd. Compare this with your production outputs (weight gain, milk yield) to evaluate feeding efficiency. Lower costs with maintained production indicate better feed utilization.