Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

Unit 10 - Methods of feed formulation and manufacturing

10.3.Methods of feed formulation
10.3.2.Linear Programming
The mathematical technique available to nutritionists for selecting the best combination of feed ingredients, to formulate diets at the least possible cost is linear programming. The following information is necessary for feed formulation using linear programming

• Nutrient content and DE or ME of ingredients;
• Unit price of feedstuffs including vitamin and mineral mixtures;
• Any other additives to be used in the feed
• Minimum and maximum restriction on the amounts of each ingredient in the feed

Least-cost linear programming software for diet formulation is readily available and the cost varies with the sophistication. A simple Lotus 1-2-3 spread sheet can also be utilized for formulating feeds, incorporating a smaller number of variables. It should be noted that least-cost feed formulation is not always practical for small scale aquaculturists using on-farm feed manufacture facilities where the choice of ingredients available is limited.