Software development to estimate herd profitability according to nutrition parameters.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Improving feed efficiency and limiting nutrition costs together with environmental impacts are key issues for beef producers. In addition to studies to assess the nutritional value and environmental impact of different rations, it would be useful to develop tools to better assess their profitability. Methods: The software developed here enables to evaluate the expected margin for a defined herd according to breeding duration, nutrition components, nutrition costs, carcass weight and expected selling price of the carcass. Results: The software allows the user to better estimate which nutrition strategy is associated with the best profitability for the herd sale. Conclusion: This software provides a principle of assisted herd nutrition costs and sale margin estimation. The software development may facilitate the design of personalized protocols for herd breeding optimization and costs reduction.