ТHE СALCULATOR FOR AGRICULTURAL ANIMAL RATIONS – AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR IMPROVING THEIR FEEDING

Abstract

Balanced nutrient provision is a critically important factor for maintaining the optimal physical, productive, and psychological state of farm animals. Significant support in optimizing animal diets is provided by an innovative development – the software application "Farm Animal Ration Calculator," implemented on the Microsoft Excel platform by the scientific and pedagogical team of Polissya National University. This tool is designed for formulating feeding rations for a wide range of species, age-sex, and physiological groups of farm animals, including lactating and dry cows, breeding bulls, young cattle for fattening, sheep and goats, pigs (all age and physiological categories), as well as poultry (laying and meat-type chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail). The application's structure within the Microsoft Excel environment includes three discrete worksheets for each of the aforementioned animal groups: "Feeds," "Feeding Standards," and "Ration," each performing a key function in the process of calculating and adjusting feed provision. The basic "Feeds" sheet contains a verified database on the nutritional value of various feeds and feed additives, characterized by the possibility of user editing based on empirical data or laboratory analysis results. This ensures a high level of diet adaptability to the specific needs of individual animals, which significantly enhances feeding efficiency. A distinctive feature of the developed calculator is the integration of the simplex method for ration optimization, which allows for setting quantitative constraints and performing precise adjustments to the ration composition to achieve an optimal balance between essential nutrients. The user interface provides the ability to quickly adjust the ration in real-time, facilitating a rapid and effective response to the dynamic needs of animals.
This software tool is a valuable resource not only for veterinary medicine and nutrition specialists but also for students of relevant specialties. The significance of the development lies in promoting a deeper understanding of the physiological needs of animals for nutrients and providing the opportunity to achieve high standards in the field of feeding. The use of this calculator contributes to maintaining an adequate level of health and welfare of farm animals, as well as potentially ensuring an increase in their productivity and lifespan.