Optimize your aquatic farm operations by calculating key performance metrics: Growth Rate, Feed Efficiency, and Stocking Density.
1. Specific Growth Rate (SGR):
SGR (%/day) = 100 × ( ln(Wf) - ln(Wi) ) / T
2. Total Biomass Density (Dbio):
Density (kg/m3) = Wf / V
3. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR):
FCR = Fin / ( Wf - Wi )
Scenario: A tilapia tank starts with 50 kg of stock. After 30 days, it holds 120 kg. Total feed used was 90 kg in a 10 m3 tank.
Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally, but profitability and sustainability depend entirely on precision management. The Aquaculture Productivity Calculator is an essential tool designed for fish farmers, hatchery managers, and aquatic researchers. It synthesizes raw production data—biomass, time, volume, and feed—into actionable insights. By monitoring specific metrics like Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), operators can move beyond guesswork and make data-driven decisions to optimize harvest cycles and maximize profit margins.
The three metrics provided by the Aquaculture Productivity Calculator serve different operational needs. SGR (Specific Growth Rate) uses logarithmic math to track how fast the stock is growing daily; this is far more accurate than simple average daily gain because fish grow exponentially in early stages. Biomass Density is a safety metric; knowing exactly how many kilograms of fish are in every cubic meter of water helps prevent overcrowding, which is a leading cause of disease outbreaks and oxygen depletion. Finally, FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio) is the economic heartbeat of the farm. Since feed accounts for 50-70% of production costs, lowering your FCR by even a decimal point can significantly boost profitability.
Whether you are managing intensive Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), semi-intensive ponds, or marine cages, the Aquaculture Productivity Calculator adapts to your needs. It helps you benchmark your performance against industry standards set by organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Furthermore, efficient feed management contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing nutrient load in effluent water, a key concern highlighted by WorldFish. By using this tool regularly, you ensure your operation remains biologically secure and economically viable.
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A "good" FCR depends on the species. For Tilapia, 1.2 to 1.5 is standard. For Salmon, it can be as low as 1.1. A lower FCR is always better, as it means you are using less feed to produce the same amount of meat.
Fish and shrimp do not grow in a linear line; their growth accelerates as they get bigger (exponential growth). Using the natural logarithm accounts for this compounding effect, providing a true representation of growth velocity.
Biomass density should be estimated weekly. As fish grow, the density increases even if you don't add new stock. If density exceeds the system's carrying capacity (e.g., 40kg/m³ for some aeration systems), growth will stall and mortality risks increase.
Yes, the formulas for SGR, FCR, and Density are universal across aquaculture species, including shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), trout, catfish, and carp.