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Feed efficiency (FE)

Feed efficiency (FE) is a typical parameter measured in animal experiments and husbandry. FE is usually calculated by the equation:

FE = [Weight gain (g)] / [Feed intake (g)]

More generally, FE is considered as [output]/[input], which is the inverse of feed conversion ratio (FCR). High FE means that the animal can produce more profit (e.g., meat, milk) by consuming the same amount of food.

Sometimes “feed conversion efficiency (FCE)” is used, but this term is not recommended since it is similar to FCR. The use of this term causes confusion.


Definitions in the literature

  • Feed conversion efficiency (FCE), defined as ‘kg milk of standardised composition with respect to protein and fat concentrations produced per kg feed dry matter consumed’, is a useful measure of the performance of a farm feeding system, but is seldom used by dairy farmers [1].

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