Developing decision support systems for optimizing livestock diets in farms

Publication date: 27/04/2020
Extent: 26 pages

Contributions by: Marina Segura, Concepción Maroto, Baldomero Segura and Concepción Ginestar, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain

Chapter synopsis: Provision of safe and affordable food is in increasing demand. Society is also concerned about animal welfare and environmental problems caused by livestock. Balancing these conflicting objectives is a challenge, which requires multidisciplinary research to overcome. This chapter reviews the evolution and role played by linear programming models and other tools in calculating diets for livestock production from the 1980's until today, from their use in research to their application in feed industries. A small ration problem is used to give a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the main optimization techniques, which are linear and goal programming. Decision Support Systems are essential in balancing economic, environmental and social objectives to provide sustainable diets for livestock. Their role is key in animal products traceability, but the need for farm context data is vital. A case study focused on broiler production is also included.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0069.21