5 - Computer Programming of Beef Cattle Diets

Abstract

Publisher Summary Computers have been useful in ration formulation for beef cattle for many years. Powerful spreadsheet programs for personal computers have made it easier for nutritionists to develop computer solutions without the need for as much programming expertise. Least-cost rations rely on the assumption that the same level of performance will be achieved if a minimum level of each required nutrient is met, regardless of the source of nutrients. Calories from fat are not always used in the same manner or with the same efficiency as calories from carbohydrate or protein. Least-cost procedures are only mathematical methods for solving equations, and do not always produce the most practical rations to feed to livestock. Least-cost procedures do not usually have a mechanism for taking into account such complications as associative effects of feeds. Net energy concepts provide a more accurate description of energy use from feeds than TDN or digestible energy, and better predict performance of cattle based on energy intake. Balancing rations by any method requires—knowing the requirements for nutrients of the animals to be fed, knowing the composition of feedstuffs to be used with regard to those nutrients, and a procedure for combining feeds to meet those requirements. Templates have been developed for use with spreadsheet programs for checking and for balancing beef rations. Templates contain the words, instructions, and equations to provide the specific application to be used with the spreadsheet program. Computer modeling programs are also in use in research, to explore relationships between the rumen, animal growth, and nutritional requirements.