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Linear Programming in Selection of Livestock

Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1

ABSTRACT

Linear programming is described as a tool for selecting breeding stock in a production unit facing constraints of resources, marketing, or preference. The predicted performance of an animal for major input and output traits is incorporated into the objective function reflecting, for example, farm profits, and into a matrix of coefficients specifying the constraints. An example demonstrates the method and contrasts the selection decision indicated by a simple profit equation ignoring constraints to that of the linear programming solution. Direct consideration of constraints and alternative production possibilities is the chief advantage of linear programming over a profit equation.