TOPIC : Feed conversion Ratio ANDHRA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY MENTOR : PROF. G. MANI MAM NAME : S. KEDARI SAI RED. NO : 723212244055
Introduction The conventional measure of livestock production efficiency is typically given by the feed conversion ratio (FCR). It provides a good indication of the efficiency of the feeding or efficiency of feeding strategy . FCR = weight of feed intake weight gained by the aquatic species High efficiency is typically indicated by Lower FCR values. The FCR typically lies in the range 1.0-2.4 for farmed fish and shrimp.
Aquatic organisms have a fairly low FCR in comparison to land animals (FCRs: 6.0-10.0 for beef, 2.7-5.0 for pigs, 1.7-2.0 for chicken) as they tend to stay upright, spend less energy to move, regulate their body temperatures due to buoyancy and are ectothermic in nature. Factors affecting FCR 1 feed quality and formulation water quality and temperature species and size of aquatic animals feeding practices and frequency health and disease status
Calculation and Interpretation of FCR FCR Calculation FCR = Total Feed Consumed (kg) / Total Biomass Gain (kg) FCR Formula Variations: 1 Simple FCR: FCR = Feed Consumed / Biomass Gain Adjusted FCR: FCR = (Feed Consumed x Feed Conversion Efficiency) / Biomass Gain
Calculation and Interpretation of FCR Interpretation of FCR Values: Low FCR (<1): Efficient feed conversion, high biomass gain. Moderate FCR (1-2): Average feed conversion, moderate biomass gain. High FCR (>2): Inefficient feed conversion, low biomass gain. FCR Calculation Example: Total Feed Consumed = 100 kg Total Biomass Gain = 80 kg FCR = 100 kg / 80 kg = 1.25 Interpretation: Moderate FCR, indicating average feed conversion efficiency.
FCR Target Range for Different Species Species-Specific FCR : Salmonids (salmon, trout): 1.0-1.52 Shrimp (Penaeus spp.): 1.5-2.53 Tilapia: 1.5-2.54 Catfish: 1.2-2.05 Carp: 2.0-3.0 Size-Specific FCR : Larval stages: 1.0-1.5 Juvenile stages: 1.2-2.0 Grow-out stages: 1.5-2.5 Broodstock: 2.0-3.0
Strategies to improve FCR Select the right breed: Different breeds have different FCRs, so choose a breed known for good feed conversion efficiency. Provide a balanced diet: Create a nutritionally balanced diet that meets the specific needs of the target species. Use high-quality feed: The quality and nutritional content of the feed is important. Ensure good animal health: Provide proper nutrition, vaccinations, and parasite control. Manage the environment: Maintain water quality, control temperature, and reduce stress.
Strategies to improve FCR Use feeding trays: Use feeding trays in specific areas of the pond to reduce feed waste. Use automatic feed dispensers: Automatic feed dispensers can help reduce feed waste. Use synbiotics : Synbiotics are fermented products that can be applied to ponds or added to feed. water quality management. health management.
Importance of FCR Evaluates feed efficiency and productivity. Estimates feed costs and potential savings. Compares feed performance across species and systems. Identifies areas for improvement in feed formulation and management. Enhances decision-making for feed selection and optimization. Supports sustainable aquaculture practices. Benchmarks farm performance and industry standards.
Limitations of FCR FCR has several limitations as a measure of efficiency: It does not take into consideration the nutritional content of the feed It does not account for the portion of the feed that can actually be eaten It does not take into consideration the nutritional quality of the edible portion. Thus, these limitations make FCRs a potentially flawed tool for cross-species comparisons.