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Evaluation of Cattle Fattening Rations Formulated with Linear Programming Techniques¹

Oregon State University, Corvallis

Abstract

Linear programming procedures were used with the aid of an electronic computer to formulate fattening rations for weaner calves. Rations were formulated using either digestible energy or estimated net energy, crude protein, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus. Rations formulated on digestible energy bases had specifications for 1.24, 1.36 or 1.48 megcal. per lb. of feed, and those with estimated net energy for 0.581, 0.638 or 0.694 megcal. per lb. Specifications for crude protein (11.5%), calcium (0.75%), phosphorus (0.50%) and salt (0.50%) were the same for each ration. Crude fiber was restricted to a maximum of 15% and a minimum of 8%. Minimum and/or maximum specifications were used for several feedstuffs; alfalfa meal (5 and 15%), beet pulp (min. 10%) and molasses (5 and 10%).

Chemical analyses on the computer-formulated rations indicated reasonably good agreement between specifications and analyses for crude protein, crude fiber and phosphorus. Animal performance data demonstrated that estimated net energy was superior to digestible energy as a basis of ration formulation. Cattle fed the net energy-formulated rations gained more rapidly, ate more feed and energy, were more efficient, had more marbling in the rib-eye but less rib-eye area per cwt. of carcass than did cattle fed on DE-formulated rations.

Data from this trial show that linear programming procedures can be effectively used to formulate cattle rations. Data further indicate that energy levels on the order of 0.64 to 0.68 megcal./lb. of feed are near the optimum level for the experimental conditions used.

¹ Technical Paper No. 1635, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Departments of Animal Science and Agricultural Economics, respectively.

³ Departments of Animal Science and Agricultural Economics, respectively.