Optimizing Feed Efficiency: Why FCR Matters at Fabled Farms

At Fabled Farms, we're always looking for ways to raise our animals more efficiently, sustainably, and ethically. One of the key ways we do this is by paying close attention to the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). It helps us keep feed costs low, ensures our animals are healthy, and reduces our environmental impact. Let’s break down what FCR is, why it’s important, and how we use it at the farm.

What is FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio)?

FCR measures how well an animal turns feed into body weight. It’s calculated by dividing the amount of feed an animal eats by the weight it gains. A lower FCR means the animal is more efficient at turning food into growth, while a higher FCR means less efficiency.

For example, if a chicken eats 1.8 pounds of feed to gain 1 pound of weight, its FCR is 1.8. The lower the FCR, the better!

Why FCR Matters for Us at Fabled Farms

We’re committed to ethical and sustainable farming, and improving FCR helps us in a few ways:

• Lower Feed Costs: Feeding animals efficiently means we spend less on grain and supplemental feed, which keeps costs down while still providing great nutrition.

• Better Resource Management: The less feed our animals need, the more effectively we can use our resources.

• Environmental Benefits: Reducing feed consumption lowers our carbon footprint by minimizing waste and the land needed for growing grain.

• Animal Welfare: A balanced diet that improves FCR helps our animals grow healthy and strong without stressing their digestive systems.

FCR Breakdown for Different Animals

At Fabled Farms, we raise a variety of animals, and each has its own FCR. Here’s a look at how much feed is needed to produce 1 pound of meat for each animal:

Animal	Feed Required (lbs)	Meat Produced (lbs)	FCR Ratio
Coturnix Quail	2.5 - 3.0	1	2.5 - 3.0
Chickens	1.6 - 1.8	1	1.6 - 1.8
Turkeys	2.5 - 3.5	1	2.5 - 3.5
Pigs	3.0 - 4.0	1	3.0 - 4.0
Goats & Sheep	4.0 - 5.0	1	4.0 - 5.0
Rabbits	2.5 - 3.0	1	2.5 - 3.0
Cows	6.0 - 8.0	1	6.0 - 8.0

Chickens and quail are the most efficient in terms of feed conversion, which is why they’re such a good choice for small farms. Larger animals like cows need more feed to gain weight, so their FCR is higher.

What Affects FCR?

FCR isn’t just about how much an animal eats. It can be influenced by:

• Breed: Some breeds are naturally more feed-efficient.

• Diet Quality: A well-balanced diet helps animals grow faster and more efficiently.

• Age & Growth Stage: Younger animals usually have better FCR than older ones.

• Living Conditions: Stress, overcrowding, and temperature changes can hurt FCR.

• Health & Genetics: Healthy animals with good genetics grow more efficiently.

How We Approach Sustainable Feeding

At Fabled Farms, we focus on using locally sourced, high-quality feed, and we give our animals natural foraging opportunities. Our quail, chickens, and turkeys get diets that are carefully balanced to optimize their FCR and keep them happy and healthy. We also work hard to reduce feed waste by storing feed properly, portioning it carefully, and supplementing with produce from our farm.

Wrapping It Up

FCR isn’t just a number for us—it’s an important part of our approach to sustainable and responsible farming. By improving FCR, we’re able to use our resources more effectively, keep our animals healthy, and make our farm more eco-friendly. Whether you’re a fellow farmer, homesteader, or just curious about where your food comes from, we hope this gives you a better understanding of why FCR is so important for us.

At Fabled Farms, every decision we make is all about quality, sustainability, and the well-being of our animals. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and evolve!