Optimal Lamb Feed Formulation using Mathematical Programming Model

Abstract

Feed formulation is important in ensuring the quality of livestock production and sustaining the self-sufficient of the livestock industry in the country. Currently, local farmers have been feeding their lambs with goat pellets and this has caused an imbalance between nutrient feeding in lambs. In this study, a modified linear programming (LP) model is proposed to optimize a specific lamb feed formulation that satisfies the nutrient requirement at a minimum cost. The dietary nutritional requirements for lambs were derived from the standard criteria of the 1985 National Research Council. The modified LP model considers the nutrients needs of lambs according to their weight, the amount of nutrients to be consumed and the cost of each feedstuff. This study focuses on obtaining the optimal amount of feedstuff in the lamb feed that is determined based on the solution of a modified model. The analysis of the resulting price of goat pellets available in the local market was performed. The result shows that the new feed formulation for lamb recorded a price reduction of 53.65% compared to the commercial goat pellet yet fulfils the nutrient requirements for lamb.