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FEED FORMULATION METHODS

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58 views

FEED FORMULATION METHODS

Uploaded by

kibruyesfa bayou
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FEED FORMULATION METHODS

FOR DAIRY CATTLE RATIONS


Introduction
Home-made rations are formulated from affordable, locally available feed
resources. After identifying the most cost-effective feed ingredients that
meet the nutrient needs of dairy animals, the next step involves blending
these feeds to minimize cost and enhance the ration’s nutrient composition.

Various methods exist for determining the appropriate mixing quantities.


Some of these methods include:
1. Pearson’s Square
Pearson’s Square is a simple graphical method that helps farmers achieve
precise nutrient rations in feed blends, ideal for smaller-scale operations
or basic formulations. It requires no complex calculations or specialized
software. To use it effectively, one feed should exceed the desired nutrient
level while the other is below the desired. This method only allows
balancing a ration for a single nutrient at a time using two feed ingredients
within one Pearson’s square. When more ingredients are involved, more
than one Pearson’s square is used.
Example
Calculate the proportion needed to make a 15% CP feed mix. The feed
ingredient we have available is Cotton seed cake (CSC) at 35% protein
and Maize germ (MG) at 10.6% protein.

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Step 1: Draw a square and insert the desired crude protein (15%) in the
middle of the square.

15% CP

Step 2: Place the two grains and their respective crude protein contents
on the left hand corners of the square.

CSC 30%

15% CP

MG 10.6%

Step 3: Calculate the difference between the middle value and the value
on the bottom and top left hand corners of the square and place the result
diagonally opposite.

CSC 30% 4.4 (10.6 - 15)

15% CP

MG 10.6% 20 (35 – 15)

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These values represent the portion of each ingredient required to produce
a feed mix with a CP level of 15%.
35-15=20 (Value in the bottom right corner of the square)
represents parts of MG
10.6 -15= 4.4 (Value in the top right corner of the square)
represents parts of CSC
NB – Always disregard the negative or positive value of the
numbers

Step 4: Calculate the percentage of each feed ingredient. Add the two
parts figures to give the total and calculate each feed as a percentage.

Parts of MG Parts of CSC


Total parts = +
(35-15 = 20) ( 10.6 – 15 = 4.4)

= 20 + 4.4
= 24.4 Parts

(Difference of middle value and CSC value) × 100%


Maize germ % =
The total of the two differences
×
20
= × 100%
24.4
= 0.82 × 100%

= 82%

(Difference of middle value and MG value) × 100%


CSC % =
The totals of the two differences
4.4
= × 100%
24.4

= 0.18 × 100%

= 18%
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Quick confirmation of CP value

10.6
MG 10.6% = × 82% = 8.7%
100
35 = 6.3%
CSC 35% = × 18%
100

Ingredient % CP contribution into the feed mix


Maize germ (MG) 8.7
Cotton seed cake (CSC) 6.3
Total 15%
Tabulation of final feed mix

Ingredient Proportion % %CP *Cost


contribution
Maize germ (MG) 82 8.7
Cotton seed cake (CSC) 18 6.3
Total 100 15%
From the tabulation result, a farmer can compute the cost of the feed
2. Excel spreadsheet
Despite cost constraints in commercial feed formulation software,
Microsoft Excel emerges as a popular and readily available spreadsheet
solution. Included with Microsoft Office at no extra cost, Excel requires
minimal computer skills and offers versatility in feed formulation. Users
can utilize Excel to formulate feeds through trial and error or by using the
Excel spreadsheet solver.

i. Excel spreadsheet trial and error


The Excel spreadsheet trial and error method involves randomly combining
ingredients with known nutrient compositions, making adjustments to the

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ration combinations only as needed for production optimization. This
approach is characterized by its reliance on past experience and lacks a
specific, predetermined process, hence its name.

ii. Excel spreadsheet solver


The Excel spreadsheet Solver, available in MS Excel, is a simple
yet effective tool for solving linear programming problems. Linear
programming optimizes a linear function with multiple variables under
constraints, making it suitable for complex feed formulation challenges
in larger-scale operations. Despite requiring advanced mathematical
understanding and specialized software, linear programming enables
farmers to create precise feed formulations tailored to their specific needs.
The complexity of the model, determined by the number of decision
variables and constraints, influences the difficulty of finding an optimal
solution.

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3. PC Dairy Software
The PC Dairy Software provides programs for formulating and analyzing
rations tailored to dairy cattle. Compatible with personal computer
running Windows 95, 98, 2000, and XP, users can select either least cost
or maximum profit basis for ration formulation. Input parameters include
target animal performance, constraints, and feed selection from a library.
Outputs include rations based on cost or profit, along with their physical
and chemical composition, and associated costs.
Least-Cost Formulation and linear programming are essential for farms
aiming to balance cost efficiency with nutritional quality. Utilizing
mathematical optimization, least-cost formulation determines the most
economical combination of ingredients that meet animals’ nutritional
needs, ultimately enhancing dairy farm profitability.

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Choosing a feed formulation method
When choosing a feed formulation method for your farm, consider factors
like your operation’s scale, feed requirements complexity, and resource
availability. Whether you favour Pearson’s Square, least-cost formulation,
or linear programming, each offers unique benefits suited to different
farming contexts. Equipping yourself and your team with the required
skills and resources is essential to maximize your chosen method’s
potential. Investing in training and utilizing specialized software and tools
can streamline the process, enhance accuracy, and improve overall farm
performance.
Take home message
Improving feed formulation is essential in today’s farming, as it directly
affects animal health, productivity, and overall dairy farm profits. By
choosing the right formulation method, you can effectively meet the
nutritional needs of your livestock and increase dairy farm productivity.
Embrace innovation, invest in learning, and customize feed formulations
for best outcomes.

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Compiled by: Kanegeni, N., Leparmarai, P.T., Ayako, W.O. and Ouko, R.O.

Editors: Nyabundi, K.W., Mukundi, K.T., Omondi, S.P., Maina, P. and


Wanyama. H.N.

For further information, contact:

Institute Director

KALRO Dairy Research Institute

P.O. Box 25-20117, Naivasha

Tel: +254 (0)776 173 996

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.kalro.org

Design and layout by Emma Nyaola

KALRO/NAVCDP/VRI Pamphlet No.025/2024

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