Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop an economically optimal plan for pasture production and supplementary feeding of horses. The plan was based on the optimization of a multiperiodic linear programming model with the objective of minimizing overall feeding costs, subject to the nutritional constraints of each horse category. The model encompasses a period of one year, from January to December, divided in bimonthly periods. Technical coefficients varied among periods based on local information regarding productivity of the forage crops, taking into account the local climatic conditions and seasonality of production. Literature data on feed nutritional value (crude protein and digestible energy), dry matter intake and nutritional requirements of the horses were also used as technical coefficients. Optimization results allow concluding that it is possible to reduce significantly the feeding costs in the horse production system by decreasing supplementation and substituting the commercial concentrate by the oat grain produced in the local.
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to CEPEA data (2006), total Brazilian horse breeding amounts to about 5.8 million animals, raising the need for studies aimed at the development of this activity and for its related economic sectors responsible for generating about 3.2 million direct and indirect jobs
Horse breeding occupies a nationally prominent position, it can still be better known and exploited, with regards to its contribution to employment and income generation.According to CEPEA data (2006), total Brazilian horse breeding amounts to about 5.8 million animals, raising the need for studies aimed at the development of this activity and for its related economic sectors responsible for generating about 3.2 million direct and indirect jobs
As highlighted by Kichel (2000), millet is a type of forage with excellent nutritional value of up to 24% of crude protein as pasture, good palatability and 60% to 78% digestibility
Summary
According to CEPEA data (2006), total Brazilian horse breeding amounts to about 5.8 million animals, raising the need for studies aimed at the development of this activity and for its related economic sectors responsible for generating about 3.2 million direct and indirect jobs. This may positively rise such an important agribusiness segment. In Brazil, horses are most widely used in agriculture, but they are used in sports, leisure, therapeutic riding, and military activities The potential of this species for meat production is still incipient; it presents itself as a new agribusiness opportunity
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