I’m seeing the cost for conventional feed as $0.89 per lb poultry, compared to total costs of $6.42 per lb, so the feed is only ~14% of the total cost per lb poultry. I suspect that the feed cost is probably far higher for cattle, but that’s because cattle are only about 3% efficient in terms of calorie conversion, far less efficient than poultry.
Admittedly, I do agree with your general argument, at least when it comes to poultry. It will be tough to be more than 13% energy efficient for cultured meat. However, the other costs of poultry production are high enough that is still seems reasonable that a cultured meat could still be competitive.
You seem to have a lot of knowledge in bioprocessing, but the figures here aren’t right.
I’m seeing the cost for conventional feed as $0.89 per lb poultry, compared to total costs of $6.42 per lb, so the feed is only ~14% of the total cost per lb poultry. I suspect that the feed cost is probably far higher for cattle, but that’s because cattle are only about 3% efficient in terms of calorie conversion, far less efficient than poultry.
Feed costs are 60-70% (cattle probably comes lower at 50% because of larger labor costs).
Feed costs are the largest portion in factory farming, with labor usually being a distant second.
(This includes amortization for fixed costs such as sheds and equipment).
The dominance of feed costs is true of all factory farming (pork and beef). The root reason is the reduction of other costs (labor, equipment) through scale and genetic selection (with graphic, unbelievable impacts to animal welfare).
EDIT: This analysis is probably wrong, see the reply. Leaving post up for context.
One other comment, related to the Twitter thread that brought me here showing that poultry is 13% efficient at conversion of feed into meat. While this is true, feed costs are a pretty minor cost at least for poultry: NC-Choices-NC-Farm-School-Meat-Chicken-Info-graphic-Breakout.pdf (ncsu.edu)
I’m seeing the cost for conventional feed as $0.89 per lb poultry, compared to total costs of $6.42 per lb, so the feed is only ~14% of the total cost per lb poultry. I suspect that the feed cost is probably far higher for cattle, but that’s because cattle are only about 3% efficient in terms of calorie conversion, far less efficient than poultry.
Admittedly, I do agree with your general argument, at least when it comes to poultry. It will be tough to be more than 13% energy efficient for cultured meat. However, the other costs of poultry production are high enough that is still seems reasonable that a cultured meat could still be competitive.
Hi,
You seem to have a lot of knowledge in bioprocessing, but the figures here aren’t right.
Feed costs are 60-70% (cattle probably comes lower at 50% because of larger labor costs).
Feed costs are the largest portion in factory farming, with labor usually being a distant second.
E.g. See top of these two papers: Effect of feed processing on broiler performance and Managing Dietary Energy Intake by Broiler Chickens to Reduce Production Costs and Improve Product Quality
(This includes amortization for fixed costs such as sheds and equipment).
The dominance of feed costs is true of all factory farming (pork and beef). The root reason is the reduction of other costs (labor, equipment) through scale and genetic selection (with graphic, unbelievable impacts to animal welfare).
Makes sense, thanks for the context!