Feed cost per animal: start with measured quantities

Calculate daily feed cost from the amount actually used and the matching price basis, then divide by the animals included in that same period. Keep purchase, stock use and feeding losses distinct. A clear calculation brings feed quantities and prices together, making daily spending easier to compare alongside the ration and other farm costs.

Edited by Ender Soyuince · About our content

2026-10-21

Compiled from open-access scientific sources.

Which quantity and price belong together?

For feed weighed as offered, use the price per kilogram as offered. If calculating on dry matter, convert both the weight and price to that basis before multiplying. A sack or bale price first needs the actual unit weight. Write the invoice date and any delivery or handling costs included in your calculation. Date each supplier offer and invoice when the feed price changes. Use the price that belongs to the quantity in your calculation. Mark an estimated amount as an estimate, then update it after weighing the feed.

What does a simple example look like?

Worked example using a sample price: 20 kg of feed at $5 per kg costs $100. For 10 animals in that period, the feed cost is $10 per animal. For your own calculation, enter the weighed feed amount, invoice price and animal count in HerdMobile. Repeat the multiplication for each feed and add the costs before dividing by the matching animal count. Define the period explicitly and use a matching animal count and number of days for a daily cost. Account for animals entering or leaving the group during the period.

How do I use feed cost in the wider farm budget?

Feed cost is one part of the farm’s spending; combine it with the other recorded costs to review the margin. Labour, animal purchases and other recorded costs may also matter to your review. Compare a lower-priced ingredient’s water content, composition and suitability for the animal group alongside its purchase price. Use HerdMobile to calculate the ration from your feed values and prices, then compare the daily cost per animal. Reconcile recorded use with a physical stock check before trusting a surprising result. Track outstanding sales separately and record each payment on its collection date. Mark a missing invoice or weight as unknown, then complete the entry from the original receipt or weighing slip.

Questions from the farm

How do I use a bag or bale price?

Weigh a bale or sack, then divide its price by the kilograms it contains. Enter that price per kilogram with the feed amount in your calculation.

How do I find the cost per animal?

Multiply each feed amount by its price per kilogram, add the feed costs and divide by the animals fed in that period. HerdMobile calculates daily ration cost from your feed prices and quantities.

How do I use the cost result in farm planning?

Review feed cost beside ration suitability, production records, other costs and actual receipts. Keep the calculation period and included categories clear.

How HerdMobile helps

Bring your animals, feed stocks and farm accounts together on your Android phone. HerdMobile keeps your daily work moving offline: record events, compare feed quantities and follow sales and payments in one place. Use your own feeds and herd information to prepare a ration, then keep a backup file under your control.

Milk, income and expenses in one overview — Keep the day’s work in view: open your animal records, plan feeding, follow farm accounts and manage your backup in HerdMobile.

Sources

Purdue Extension — Livestock enterprise budgets