Computer Applications in Beef Nutrition.PPT

Computer Applications in Beef Nutrition Dan Loy Iowa State University An Sc 519 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 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 Linear Programming -- Minimization Minimization Model Minimize cost = $1X1 + $2X2 Subject to: 1X1 + 1X2 =10 (Calcium) 3X1 +1X2 =15 (Protein) 1X1 +6X2=15 (Calories) And X1=0, X2=0 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 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 Beef Cow Ration Analysis (MCS-13) Evaluates ration for beef cow herds Corrects for cow size, milk production, environment and condition Cowculator OSU Beef Cow Ration Balancer Similar to MCS-13 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 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 Beef Management Software with Nutritional Components Simulation Software MCS-14 Oklahoma State BEEFGAIN Monitoring of performance ISU Beef Feedlot Performance and Cost Monitoring TAUR