Computer spreadsheets for predicting feed requirements and feed budgeting

Abstract

Planning the use of feed on farms requires the temporal relationship between feed supply and demand to be described by a budgeting process. This can be achieved using spreadsheets, but input data on pasture growth, supplements and animal feed requirements must be provided. Feed requirements can be derived from published tables but interpolation between data points is necessary (Townsley 1986). Computer models can provide estimates of requirements for any specified liveweight and production level. These can then be used as sub-routines to provide inputs to a feed budget (Brookes et al. 1991). This paper describes the main features of a number of feed requirement models and their use in feed planning. Keywords: beef cows, dairy cows, ewes, feed budgets, feed requirements, spreadsheets, heifers