Choose an animal species, enter its live weight, and select a production level to get an estimated daily dry matter feed ration, based on realistic average zootechnical ratios.
These are average zootechnical ratios given for guidance only. Actual intake varies by breed, physiological stage, season, pasture access, and feed quality. The as-fed figure assumes an average 85% dry matter content and can differ widely between fresh pasture and dried feed. This estimate does not replace a feeding plan validated by a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.
Why a daily ration depends on more than just weight
A grazing or housed animal does not eat a fixed amount of feed each day. Intake scales with live weight, but it also rises sharply once the animal is producing milk, eggs, growth, or work, because that output carries its own energy and protein cost on top of simple maintenance. This tool applies a dry matter intake ratio, expressed as a percentage of live weight, that increases with the selected production level, so the estimate reflects a lactating cow or a laying hen at peak output rather than an idle animal.
Average dry matter intake ratios used in this estimate (UK, AHDB/DEFRA)
| Species | Maintenance | Low production | Medium production | High production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy cattle | 2.0% | 2.5% | 3.0% | 3.6% |
| Beef cattle | 2.0% | 2.2% | 2.5% | 2.8% |
| Sheep | 2.0% | 2.5% | 3.0% | 3.5% |
| Goat | 2.2% | 2.8% | 3.3% | 4.0% |
| Pig | 2.5% | 3.5% | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Laying hen | 4.0% | 6.0% | 6.5% | 7.0% |
| Horse | 1.5% | 2.0% | 2.25% | 2.5% |
Limits of this calculator
This tool gives an order of magnitude in dry matter, not a formulated ration. It does not account for breed, exact physiological stage, ambient temperature, body condition, pasture quality, or the split between forage and concentrate, all of which a proper diet plan needs. AHDB and DEFRA publish detailed feeding guidance for dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and pigs, and this calculator should only be used as a first rough planning figure ahead of that guidance, never as a substitute for a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.
Dairy herds and pasture-based systems in the UK
The UK dairy sector relies heavily on Holstein-Friesian cows managed on grass-based or partial housing systems, where AHDB benchmarking shows daily dry matter intake commonly reaching 3.5 to 4% of live weight at peak lactation. Sheep production follows a similarly grass-led model, with intake rising sharply during late pregnancy and lactation on many upland and lowland flocks. For a related planning tool, see the Crop Yield Estimator.