From head count and a per-head daily ration, compute total feed per day, total over a period, and how many days your feed inventory lasts — the core of feed planning.
The example
120 head × 25 lb/day.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | 120 × 25 | 3,000 lb/day |
| 3 | 30 ton lasts | → 20 days |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- Multiply head count by the daily ration for total feed per day.
- Multiply by days for the feed a period needs.
- Days of supply = inventory ÷ daily total — how long your feed lasts.
- Convert tons to pounds (×2000) so inventory and ration share units.
Days-of-supply is your reorder alarm. Knowing you feed 3,000 lb/day is useful; knowing the bin holds only 20 more days is actionable. Set a reorder threshold (say, 10 days of supply) and an IF flag, and you will never get caught scrambling for feed during a storm or a price spike. Inventory ÷ daily burn is the whole game.
Try it: interactive demo
Head, ration, inventory (tons).
Variations
Feed for a period
Daily × days:
Days of supply
Inventory ÷ daily:
Reorder flag
Low supply:
Pitfalls & errors
Unit match. Convert inventory tons to pounds (×2000) before dividing.
Ration changes. Growing animals eat more — update the per-head rate.
Zero head. Empty herd gives a #DIV/0! in days-of-supply.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate livestock feed needs in Excel?
How long will my feed last?
How do I get a reorder alert?
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