ewest may have some specific information / research on this topic. I am pretty sure that the conversion efficiency of 10 lbs of forage to grow 1 pound of predator has its basis from the standard energy pyramid of numbers where energy is lost as it moves up the food chain. There are no doubt lots of information on this concept. The quality (energy amount nutrient quality) of the food eaten may skew the numbers somewhat but not a lot. I suspect the 10:1 ratio can get to 8:1 but not much more due to the physiology of biological organisms.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine - America's Journal of Pond Management
