Using linear programming in balanced food design at minimum cost for cattle

Abstract

Precision in ration formulation is important to achieve a proper balance of nutrients in the production of concentrate at the lowest possible cost in order to get a good food production and reproductive performance. Currently, there are many programs ration formulation, which in some cases are expensive. The SOLVER tool Microsoft Excel for Windows is an easy and flexible process management, whose main advantage is that is available in the vast majority of computers working under Windows platform. The aim of this paper is to present the development of a linear programming model for ration formulation using the SOLVER process through a practical example step by step describes the construction of the model and the equations that result in the formulation of food rations four categories of animals within the cattle line, ensuring that each formulation meets the established nutritional requirements at minimum cost.