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Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Alternatives to formulate laying hen diets beyond the traditional least-cost model
Journal of applied poultry research, Vol.30(1), pp.1-11
03/2021
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Abstract
Owing to the high cost of feed for poultry, there is continuous pressure to formulate 'least cost' diets that meet nutritional requirements. However, the main aim of any commercial enterprise is usually to maximize profits with the resources or inputs available, and the conventional or historic tool of least-cost ration formulation has limitations in a more demanding economic environment. The layer industry may experience particularly volatile changes in egg price, principally owing to changes in supply rather than demand, and in the past, it has been reported to possess less production and financial data reporting than other industries. Thus, increased flexibility during these uncertain times may give the layer industry greater opportunity and capacity to cope with market fluctuations. A practical example of how a laying hen operation may benefit from these approaches demonstrates that the maximum-profit solution does not always match the least-cost solution and that stochastic feed formulation may be used to accurately assign safety margins and define the level of certainty this safety margin will provide. Finally, as producers better understand how their hens respond to different dietary specifications, the opportunity arises to choose the set of specifications that result in maximum profits for their unique situations, rather than relying on least-cost diets formulated to nutrient requirements alone.
Details
- Title
- Alternatives to formulate laying hen diets beyond the traditional least-cost model
- Creators
- A. F. Moss - University of New EnglandG. Parkinson - Livorno Consulting (Victoria)T. M. Crowley - University of New EnglandG. M. Pesti - University of New England
- Publication Details
- Journal of applied poultry research, Vol.30(1), pp.1-11
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 11
- Grant note
- The authors would like to acknowledge and thank Australian Eggs for funding this project and for their guidance, encouragement, and support.
- Identifiers
- 991013328527402368
- Copyright
- © 2020 The Authors.
- Academic Unit
- Office of Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article