Zeitschrift für Ernährung und Lebensmittelwissenschaften
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Optimized Nutrients Diet Formulation of Broiler Poultry Rations in Nigeria Using Linear Programming

Samuel Olugbenga O, Olusegun Abayomi O, Adebimpe Oluseye A and Akinbowale Taiwo T

The diet problem is a classic problem, one among the earliest problems formulated as a linear programming. The goal of the diet problem is to select a set of nutrients that will satisfy a set of daily nutritional requirement at minimum cost. Poultry being simple stomached species, cannot synthesize most of the nutrients required for them and so the nutrients become dietary essentials. Chicken has to be fed adequate quantities of balanced diet for its growth, livability and to exhibit its genetic potential to the full extent. Maximizing live bird profitability is similar to minimizing feed cost per kg live weight. The nutrient diet model formulation is a combination of different feed ingredients needed for a balance diet of the bird. The generic mathematical model which is applicable to each type of ration nine decision variables and ten parameters is constructed as subject to a set of twelve obtained constraints from a local farm. The model was solved using an excel solver package for easy accessibility. Model solution and post-optimality test results were obtained and compared with existing practice of the case study farm. The proposed optimal formulation of the linear programming model gives about 7.48% and 9.96% reduction in feed formulation costs compared to the existing formulation in case of broiler starter and finisher respectively on the farm. The model also reduced the amount of fat contained in the existing ration but adding more flesh by significantly increased the metabolisable energy needed for physiological structure. Post-optimality test or Sensitivity analysis also gave useful insight into the impact of changes in costs of feed inputs.