Start with the cost per pound of feed
Divide the package price by the pounds in the package to get feed cost per pound. Use the pounds fed per day from the plan you already have to estimate daily and period cost.
Record the receipt date and package size with each entry because prices and bag sizes change.
Match the feed and weight periods
Feed conversion only makes sense when daily feed and average daily gain cover the same measurement period. Do not use this month's feed with an ADG calculated from a different set of dates.
BarnMath uses the amounts as entered on an as-fed basis. It does not convert dry matter, so do not compare the result with a dry-matter benchmark.
Feed cost per pound gained is not the full project cost
The feed-conversion worksheet can estimate feed cost per pound gained. A full project-cost total may also include the animal purchase, bedding, supplies, entries, hauling, labor, and other costs requested by the record being prepared.
Use the project expense tracker for non-feed costs. Copy only the categories and totals your official record book or AET instructions request.
Mark missing feed information before totaling the rows
A mixed-feed total can look too low when one package price or weight is missing. Mark the row for follow-up instead of silently leaving it out.
Take feeding questions to your advisor or Extension educator. Ask a veterinarian about medication, withdrawal times, or animal health. The worksheet only does the entered math.
Sources & local guidance
Source links checked July 31, 2026
This is a cost estimate. Talk with your advisor, Extension office, or veterinarian before changing feed or animal care.