Livestock running-cost calculator
Most people have no idea what a herd really costs to run until they are in it. Work it out first — cattle or sheep, your own numbers — and see your cost per animal and break-even sale price.
Switch species to load typical figures, then edit to your own operation.
Winter licks, supplements and any bought-in feed, per animal.
Dipping, vaccinations, dosing and vet costs, per animal per year.
Labour, fuel, water, fencing repairs, transport.
Weaners or finished animals you sell in a year.
Cost to run the herd
R89 500 / year
That's R7 458 a month, or R1 790 per head per year.
Feed & lick / yr
R48 000
Animal health / yr
R17 500
Other costs / yr
R24 000
Break-even sale price
R7 458
Each of the 12 sold must cover this
Know your real cost — and stay compliant
FarmBind tracks every dip, vaccination, dose and movement as you log it — building your running-cost picture and your audit-ready compliance registers (FMD, dipping, movement) at the same time.
Start freeCommon questions
- What does it cost to run cattle or sheep in South Africa?
- The main running costs are lick and supplementary feed, animal health (dipping, vaccination, dosing, vet), and overheads like labour, fuel and water. Per animal per year it adds up quickly — this calculator totals it from your own figures and shows the cost per animal and the break-even sale price.
- How do I work out a break-even price per animal?
- Divide your total annual running cost by the number of animals you sell in a year. That is the minimum each sold animal must fetch just to cover running costs, before any profit or the cost of the animal itself. The calculator does this for you.
Estimates for guidance only, based on the figures you enter. Real costs vary with region, veld condition, season and management.