Protein and fat content
Young fish grow fast and need more protein; as they grow, protein needs fall and energy (fat) needs rise. Carnivorous marine species usually need more protein than herbivorous ones.
Pellet size
Pellets must match the fish’s mouth gape. Pellets that are too big are not eaten, and pellets that are too small cost more energy to collect; both raise FCR.
Digestibility and raw-material quality
Good raw materials and properly processed feed are digested better, produce less waste and protect water quality.
Floating or sinking?
Floating feed makes it easier to observe appetite and control feed loss; sinking feed suits bottom-feeding species and some cage systems.
Compare feeds by cost per kg of growth
The real cost of a feed is not its price but its price multiplied by FCR.
Feed cost per kg of growth = FCR × Feed price
Example: feed A at 40 units/kg with an FCR of 1.8 costs 72 units per kg of growth; feed B at 44 units/kg with an FCR of 1.55 costs 68.2 units. Feed B looks more expensive but is actually more economical.
Free toolFeed Price Increase CalculatorFCRSOFT
FCRSOFT does this for you automatically
You don’t need to do the calculations and checks on this page by hand every day. FCRSOFT derives them all automatically from the records entered in the field.
- The real feed cost of every batch is calculated per kg of fish.
- When the feed price changes, cost reports update automatically.
- Feed, labour and energy costs are allocated to each batch and kilogram.
Last updated: 10/3/2026
