Feedstuff Cost Comparison

By Warren Rusche

This tool was developed collaboratively by Tracey Renelt and Warren Rusche.

Cells requiring an entry are colored yellow. Estimated values based on current market prices have been entered and will be included in the calculations unless you enter your own values. Users should not adjust cells with a white background.

• Enter the feed cost per ton.
• If there will be shipping costs involved, enter the number of miles and cost per mile.
• When the number of tons per load is entered, the shipping cost per ton will appear. These cells can be left blank if there are no shipping costs, or if shipping is already included in the feed price.
• The dry matter percentage is critical to accurately evaluate high-moisture feeds vs. dry grains or forages.  Enter the DM percentages.
• Enter the feed analysis values as labeled in each row. 
• Crude protein and TDN should be entered as a percentage (DM basis).
• The Net Energy values should be entered as Mcal/ pound (DM).
• The delivered cost per pound or Mcal for the two feedstuffs and the price where Feedstuff #2 equals the value of Feedstuff #1 will appear.

If the breakeven price for Feedstuff #2 is lower than the cost entered for Feedstuff #2, the cell will turn green.  In that case, feedstuff #2 is a better buy for that particular nutrient.

Cells requiring an entry are colored yellow. Estimated values based on current market prices have been entered and will be included in the calculations unless you enter your own values. Users should not adjust cells with a white background.

• Enter the feed cost per ton.
• If there will be shipping costs involved, enter the number of miles and cost per mile.
• When the number of tons per load is entered, the shipping cost per ton will appear. These cells can be left blank if there are no shipping costs, or if shipping is already included in the feed price.
• The dry matter percentage is critical to accurately evaluate high-moisture feeds vs. dry grains or forages.  Enter the DM percentages.
• Enter the feed analysis values as labeled in each row. 
• Crude protein and TDN should be entered as a percentage (DM basis).
• The Net Energy values should be entered as Mcal/ pound (DM).
• The delivered cost per pound or Mcal for the two feedstuffs and the price where Feedstuff #2 equals the value of Feedstuff #1 will appear.

If the breakeven price for Feedstuff #2 is lower than the cost entered for Feedstuff #2, the cell will turn green.  In that case, feedstuff #2 is a better buy for that particular nutrient.