MATHEMATICAL METHOD FOR FORMULATING ANIMAL FEED RATIONS

Prišenk Jernej, Pažek Karmen, Rozman Črtomir, Turk Jernej, Borec Andreja

Abstract
The aim of the paper is to present a newly developed model for the optimization of feed rations for active/trained sport horses. The model is structured on two different sub-models, the first of which is based on the linear programming (LP) technique and the second on weighted-goal programming (WGP). The model was tested under two different WGP scenarios to formulate two different feed rations. The results show that feed rations calculated with the modified WGP technique are more balanced (to satisfy all animal nutritional requirements), and that the costs of feed rations are lower compared with LP. The ration was about 10% cheaper and there were no surpluses of any nutrient.

Key words: Feed rations, optimization, linear programming, weighted goal programming