Feed formulation problem in Nigerian poultry farms: a mathematical programming approach

Abstract

The poultry industry has a significant effect on national economy; it is a popular industry for the small holders with tremendous contribution to GDP and employment creation. Poultry feed cost represents over 70% of the total cost of egg and broiler production, consequently efficient feed formulation practice is required for a sustainable poultry industry. Many Nigerian poultry farmers, however, employ inefficient methods like rule of thumb, experiences, and intuition to handle feed formulation problem. The aim of this study was to develop an optimization feed formulation model, using locally available feed ingredients, for the Nigerian poultry industry. Relevant literature was consulted to gather information on the practices prevalent in the industry, nutrient contents and availability of feed ingredients and their prevalent market prices. The decision variables, objective function and problem constraints were defined and a mathematical model of the feed formulation problem was developed and parameterized using data from a typical commercial farm. Model solution and post-optimality analysis results were obtained and compared with existing practice of the case study farm. Thirteen (13) decision variables and fourteen (14) constraints were identified. The optimal solution of the linear programming model gives 9% reduction in feed formulation costs compared to the existing method on the farm. Post optimality analysis also gave useful insight into the impact of changes in costs of feed inputs. The model will be very useful in poultry farm management in Nigeria.