1. Computer Applications in Beef Nutrition
Dan Loy
Iowa State University
An Sc 519

2. 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

3. 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

4. Linear Programming -- Minimization
Unit Nutrient/Unit Feed
Nutrient
Ingred X1
Ingred X2
Requiremt
Calcium 1 10
Protein 3 15
Calories 6
Cost per Unit of Feed $1 $2

5. Minimization Model Minimize cost = $1X1 + $2X2 Subject to: And
1X1 + 1X2 >=10 (Calcium)
3X1 +1X2 >=15 (Protein)
1X1 +6X2>=15 (Calories)
And
X1>=0, X2>=0

6. 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

8. 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

9. 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

11. Cowculator
OSU Beef Cow Ration Balancer
Similar to MCS-13

12. 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

13. 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

14. Beef Management Software with Nutritional Components
Simulation Software
MCS-14
Oklahoma State BEEFGAIN
Monitoring of performance
ISU Beef Feedlot Performance and Cost Monitoring

15. 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