Modelling the Feed Mix for Poultry Production (The Case of Adama Musa Farms, Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana)

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2013-09
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The poultry industry has a significant importance on national economy. It is a popular industry for the small holders with tremendous contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment creation. Poultry feed cost represents over sixty (60) percent of the total cost of poultry production; consequently efficient feed formulation practice is required for a sustainable poultry industry. Many Ghanaian poultry farmers, however, employ inefficient methods like rule of thumb, experiences, and intuition to handle feed formulation problem. The aim of this thesis is to develop an optimization feed formulation model, using locally available feed ingredients for the Ghanaian poultry industry. To achieve this aim, secondary data were collected from the recommended nutrient requirements schedule from Birds and Veterinary service, Ghana limited. Based on this data, linear programming model for least cost rations for broilers was formulated. Ten (10) decision variables and eight (8) constraints were identified. The optimal solution of the linear programming model for the least cost starter ration gives three (3) per cent reduction in broiler starter feed formulation as compared to the existing method on the farm whiles the optimal solution of the linear programming model for the least cost finisher ration also gives about three (3) per cent reduction in broiler finisher feed formulation compared to the existing method on the farm.
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A thesis submitted to the College of Science in the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of MSc. in Industrial Mathematics at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
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