Every integrator knows the frustration: feed goes in, but the bird’s weight doesn’t match. You spend money, time, and effort, only to see profits slip away at the end of the batch. This gap between feed consumed and body weight gained is what we call the feed conversion ratio, or FCR. For contract broiler farming, FCR is not just a technical number — it is the heartbeat of profitability.
Why FCR is a Profit Driver
Feed is the single largest expense in poultry farming. When FCR is poor, every kilo of feed wasted is money lost. The damage goes beyond cost — poor FCR stretches production cycles, lowers bird quality, and weakens farmer confidence. For integrators managing multiple farms, the impact multiplies. A small variation in FCR across farms turns into a large dent in overall gross contribution.
What Farmers Say
During a recent conversation, one farmer said:
“I buy feed, but the weight never matches. It feels like my effort is going to waste.”
This is the reality many integrators face. The issue is not just money, but the feeling that control is slipping away batch after batch.
Common Causes of FCR Losses
Poor FCR rarely happens because of one mistake. It is usually a mix of issues that build up over time. Buying feed without planning creates irregular nutrition. Wrong feeding schedules disturb growth patterns. Feed wasted in storage due to dampness or pests silently drains profit. And when feed mix quality is not right, birds eat but do not grow to their potential.
Moving Toward Consistency
The key to improving FCR is not expensive medicines or one-time fixes, but consistency. Integrators who enforce structured feed planning, standard schedules, and storage discipline see steady improvements. A digital ERP platform makes this easier by giving visibility across all farms. With data-driven monitoring, integrators can compare actual weight gains with standards every week and take early corrective action.
A Success Story
One integrator in Andhra Pradesh implemented strict feed scheduling supported by PoultryCare ERP. Weekly reports showed where farms were falling behind standards. By making small corrections in feed distribution and storage practices, FCR improved steadily. The result was stronger profits and more motivated farmers.
The Takeaway
FCR is not just about numbers in a report. It is the difference between growth and stagnation for integrators. Poor FCR means wasted feed, wasted effort, and wasted opportunity. Good FCR means healthy birds, better farmer trust, and stronger profits.
👉 Protect your farms from silent feed losses. See how PoultryCare ERP can help you improve FCR and increase profitability.
