Computer Applications in Beef Nutrition

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Computer Applications in Beef Nutrition

• Dan Loy
• Iowa State University
• An Sc 519

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Why computer formulation?

• Allow simultaneous diet formulation using complex
  nutrient models
• Metabolizable protein systems
• Net energy
• Dry matter intake predictions
• Factorial requirements of nutrients requiring
  production estimates

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Types of beef nutrition computer programs

• Ration balancing
• automates hand calculation
• Ration analysis
• evaluates ration for nutritional adequacy
• Least cost formulation
• linear programming to minimize costs within
  nutritional constraints

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Linear Programming -- Minimization
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Minimization Model

• Minimize cost 1X1 2X2
• Subject to
• 1X1 1X2 gt10 (Calcium)
• 3X1 1X2 gt15 (Protein)
• 1X1 6X2gt15 (Calories)
• And
• X1gt0, X2gt0

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X2
15
(0,15)
3X1 1X2 15
Feasible Region
10
1X1 1X2 10
(2.5,7.5)
5
1X1 6X2 15
(9,1)
(15,0)
X1
15
5
10
7
X2
15
(0,15)
Feasible Region
10
(2.5,7.5)
Cost 1X1 2X2
1(9) 2(1) 11 SOLUTION
5
(9,1)
(15,0)
X1
15
5
10
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ISU Beef Management Software

• MCS Spreadsheet Series
• A series of six worksheet templates to aid in
  beef management decisions
• Beef Feedlot Monitoring Program
• computerized feedlot management and closeout
  analysis

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Beef Feedlot Ration Analysis (MCS-7)

• Evaluates rations and projects performance for
  growing cattle
• Calculates ADG, cost of gain, ration adequacy
• Rations adjusted by trial and error

10
Beef Cow Ration Analysis (MCS-13)

• Evaluates ration for beef cow herds
• Corrects for cow size, milk production,
  environment and condition

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Cowculator

• OSU Beef Cow Ration Balancer
• Similar to MCS-13

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Costs and Returns to Beef Cattle Feeding (MCS-14)

• Evaluates feeding and purchase decisions in a
  budget format
• Evaluates alternative feed prices, cattle types
  and weights, market price and risk, market
  timeliness and other factors on profitability

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Beef Feedlot Monitoring Program

• Tracks performance and cost of individual pens of
  cattle
• Aides in making mid-course corrections in feeding
  and management
• Develops close-out analysis for comparison
• Tracks feed inventory
• Develops billings for custom-fed cattle

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Beef Management Software with Nutritional
Components

• Simulation Software
• MCS-14
• Oklahoma State BEEFGAIN
• Monitoring of performance
• ISU Beef Feedlot Performance and Cost Monitoring

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TAURUS

• Least cost ration formulation for beef cattle
• Developed at University of California - Davis
• Version 2.0 is latest version
• Version 1.1 is on disk