OPTIMILK: A Web-Based Tool for Least-Cost Dairy Ration Optimization Using Linear Programming

Abstract

Feed costs represent a significant component of milk production expenses, making up a share of 50% or more of the total cost. The optimization of feed costs is important to achieve financial stability, competitiveness, and sustainability in dairy farming. Optimizing dairy rations not only improves economic efficiency but also plays a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming. On the other hand, dairy rations need to meet the specific nutritional requirements of cattle to ensure their health, well-being, and maximum milk production. The formulation of an optimal dairy ration is not an easy task for farmers due to the many challenges they face in this process. This study presents an intuitive web-based tool called OPTIMILK that is used for the optimization of dairy rations using the Simplex method of linear programming. This tool enables farmers to efficiently find a least-cost ration considering the nutritional needs of dairy cows, feed availability and costs, and the nutritional composition of feed. The tool was created for a dairy farmers’ association in Bosnia and Herzegovina and made available to its members for free. After almost four years of operation, the tool’s usage was evaluated by analyzing the collected data. The results show that after an initial period of low activity, there was evidence of an increase in the level of use, which implies the gradual adoption of the tool in dairy farming practice.