Least-cost formulation: principles and method

What is least-cost formulation?

Least-cost formulation is the reference method in animal nutrition. It finds the cheapest ingredient combination that meets all nutritional constraints.

Linear programming

The formulation uses a linear programming algorithm (simplex method). Variables are ingredient quantities, the objective function is total formula cost, and constraints are minimum and maximum nutritional requirements.

Nutritional constraints

• Metabolizable energy
• Protein and amino acids: lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan
• Minerals: calcium, available phosphorus, sodium, chloride
• Inclusion limits: maximum quantities per ingredient

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Built-in optimization algorithm, preloaded raw material database, nutritional requirements by species and stage, instant results with cost breakdown.

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