The Minimum-Cost Dairy Feed (An Application of "Linear Programming")

Abstract

HE main purpose of this paper is to test a method of determining the least expensive combination of feeds which meets, or surpasses, each of several stated requirements. The linear programming techniques recently developed by Koopmans,l Dantzig,2 and others, are used to provide a definitive solution of this problem. I want to make clear at the start that I do not pretend to be an expert on animal feeding. It is quite possible that the rations indicated by this analysis may be found unacceptable by practical feeders. If so, it is because the requirements used to illustrate this method do not adequately cover feed essentials. I would welcome any suggestions for improving the stated requirements. But the method of analysis used here is, in my opinion, exact. If the prices and nutritive values of all available feeds are known, that method will unfailingly indicate the least expensive combination of feeds meeting whatever requirements may be determined to be acceptable.