J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1980. 51:847-859.
© 1980 American Society of Animal Science
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Linear Programming as a Tool for Planning Beef Cattle Breeding Experimentation1

T. A. Olson2, R. L. Willham3 and M. D. Boehlje4

Iowa State University, Ames 50011

Abstract

Linear programming (LP) and other types of systems analysis procedures are being used more frequently by animal scientists. In this study, we used a LP model to determine the costs and most efficient manner of conducting a multi-year beef cattle breeding experiment designed to compare the initial level of heterosis among the F1 crosses of the Angus, Hereford and Holstein breeds with the amount of heterosis retained in a composite breed formed from the crosses. The LP model included restrictions that ensured that adequate numbers of each breed type were produced to allow detection of differences of a given magnitude. The method of conducting the experiment that was expected to result in the lowest total expenditure is explained. The information available from the LP included the expected total cost, the numbers of purchased animals required, the numbers of calves to be produced from each cow type and the land, labor and feed resources needed for the experiment. The cost of developing the LP model was low compared with the expenditure required by the experiment. This procedure should also have useful applications in otner aspects of experimental design and in the planning of other types of experimentation that result in substantial quantities of salable products.

Footnotes

1 Journal paper no. J-9388 of the Iowa Agr. and Home Econ. Exp. Sta., Ames, Project no. 2000.

2 Anim. Sci. Dept., Univ. of Florida, Gainesville 32611.

3 Dept. of Amm. Sci., Iowa State Univ., Ames 50011.

4 Dept. of Economics, Iowa State Univ., Ames 50011.






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Copyright © 1980 by the American Society of Animal Science.