Assignment:

Animal Nutrition
Submitted to: Dr.Sharif
Submitted by: Asad
Abbas Awan
2019-ag-8718
Least cost ration formulation for livestock
ruminants

• Formulating a least-cost ration for livestock ruminants

involves creating a balanced diet that meets their
nutritional requirements at the lowest possible cost. Here
are the general steps to achieve this:
• Identify the nutritional requirements: Determine the
specific nutritional needs of the ruminant species you are
feeding, including protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals.
• Gather ingredient cost and nutrient composition data: Obtain information
on the cost and nutrient content of various feed ingredients available in
your region.
• Set constraints: Consider any limitations or restrictions on certain
ingredients, such as availability, storage, or dietary restrictions.
• Use mathematical software: Utilize linear programming software to create
a mathematical model that minimizes the cost of the ration while meeting
the required nutrient levels.
• Optimize the ration: Run the linear programming model to find the least-
cost combination of feed ingredients that fulfills the nutritional
requirements.
• Validate the results: Ensure that the formulated ration meets the animal's
requirements and is practically feasible in terms of ingredient availability
and practicality of feeding.
• Monitor and adjust: Regularly assess the livestock's performance and
adjust the ration as needed based on factors like weight gain, milk
production, or other desired outcomes.
• the process of ration formulation can be complex and requires
knowledge of animal nutrition, feed ingredients, and
mathematical modeling. Consulting with a qualified animal
nutritionist or veterinarian is recommended for accurate and
effective ration formulation for your specific livestock
ruminants.
Procedure for Formulation of Least
Cost Ration:

• It is the linear programming based model which takes into

account the following steps:
• 1. List all available feeds, fodders and other available ingredients.
• 2. Enlisting of components of each ingredient, i.e. proximate values
dry matter (dm), digestible crude protein (DCP), total digestible
nutrients (TDN).
• 3. Imputes the cost of feed ingredients.
• 4. Give instruction to the computer for the type of ration desired
depending upon requirements of animals (growth, maintenance,
production, reproduction, work, grower, starter, finisher, layers, etc.,
high energy, high protein, lower energy, etc.)
• 5. Give instruction to computer for the amount of dm-20 kg of DCP 0.75
kg similarly for feed ingredients like fish meal is 10 per cent, mineral
mixture – 3 per cent etc.
• The computer will take out least cost feed ingredients for formulating
least cost ration.
Thank you!