A Parametric Programming Method for Beef Cattle Ration Formulation

Abstract

Ration formulation is an important aspect of the operation of many beef cattle enterprises. The method for beef cattle ration formulation depends on the system used to specify the nutrient requirements of the animals. With the system which is recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the U.K., difficulties arise in ration formulation because the energy requirements of the animal depend on the energy concentration of the ration. A method for formulating rations to satisfy the recommended nutrient standards is developed. The approach involves using parametric linear programming to obtain a piecewise representation of the cost of the ration as a function of the energy concentration of the ration, and then using differential calculus to determine the least cost ration.