Feed Formulation Calculator & Pearson Square Mix

A simple method to mix two feeds to a target protein (or other nutrient) level. You subtract diagonally across a square: parts of the high-protein feed = target − low feed's protein; parts of the low feed = high feed's protein − target. The ratio of those parts gives the mix. This tool does it instantly for any two feeds.

Pick a protein-rich feed (e.g. oilcake at 44%) and a protein-poor feed (e.g. maize at 9%), and a target (e.g. 18%). The Pearson square gives the proportion of each: here about 26% oilcake and 74% maize. Enter your feeds' protein levels and target and the tool returns the kilograms of each for your batch.

Mixing two feeds can only produce a protein level between their two values — you can't get 20% by blending a 9% and an 18% feed. The target must sit between the protein-poor and protein-rich feed. The tool flags an invalid combination so you choose feeds that bracket your target.

Yes — the Pearson square works for any species' ration. Just use the protein levels of your two feeds and the target crude protein for that animal and stage (e.g. broiler starter ~22%, layer ~16%, dairy concentrate ~18%, fish feed 25–35%). The maths is the same; choose feeds that bracket the target.

The basic Pearson square balances two feeds for one nutrient. For multiple feeds or several nutrients (energy, lysine, calcium) at once, you need least-cost formulation software. But the two-feed square covers the common on-farm case of blending a concentrate with a grain, which this tool handles.

Crude protein is the standard measure of a feed's protein content, estimated from its nitrogen (N × 6.25). Feed tags and tables list it as a percentage. Use the crude protein % of your two feeds and your target; the tool blends them to hit the target crude protein.

Use the cheapest feeds that bracket your target protein, and let the square find the proportion. Enter each feed's price and the tool gives the cost per kg of the mix, so you can compare feed pairs and choose the least-cost combination that still meets the protein target.

No — a complete ration also needs energy, fibre, minerals, vitamins and (for some species) specific amino acids. The Pearson square fixes the protein blend; add a mineral-vitamin premix and balance energy separately. Use this as the protein step, not the whole ration.

Protein-rich: oilcakes (groundnut, soybean, mustard, cotton), fishmeal, pulses. Protein-poor (energy) feeds: maize, broken rice, wheat bran, sorghum. Blend one of each to hit the target. The tool just needs their protein % and your target.

The Pearson square is exact for the protein blend given the inputs — the achieved protein the tool shows will equal your target when the feeds bracket it. Accuracy in practice depends on knowing your feeds' true protein levels, so use tested or tabled values.