Ration Builder Lite
Quick check on crude protein, TDN, and $/ton of dry matter for a five-ingredient ration.
Enter up to five ingredients with their dry-matter percentages, crude protein, TDN (total digestible nutrients), and cost per ton, and this calculator gives you the resulting ration's CP, TDN, and cost per ton on a dry-matter basis. Use it to gut-check a mix before you call your nutritionist or to compare two ingredient swaps side by side.
We use your cattle class to check CP and TDN against a typical target band. The Lite tool shows only an on-target indicator \u2014 not the numeric target.
Ingredients
Frequently asked
What units does this use?
U.S. units throughout. Ingredient weights are in pounds, percentages are dry-matter basis, and cost is per ton.
Why does it show CP and TDN as percentages?
Crude protein and TDN are reported as a share of total ration dry matter, which is how nutritionists balance for class and target ADG. Compare the ration's CP and TDN against the requirement for your cattle's weight class.
Does it replace a real nutritionist?
No. This is a quick check, not a balanced ration. For finishing rations, ionophore additions, mineral packs, or cattle under stress, work with a nutritionist.
What if I only have three ingredients?
Leave the unused rows blank. The calculator only sums populated rows.