Integrated Resource Management Through Mathematical Optimization Techniques

Abstract

Linear programming can be used to assess the economic impact of health issues and management for beef cattle operations. The current model shows that substantial increases in relative profit may be achieved by Increasing the ratio of cows per bull for breeding. A 3% increase in profit is projected by moving from a bull to cow ratio of 1 :25 to 1 :40. In addition, the distribution of calvings over the calving season can have dramatic effects on the profitability of the operation. A prolonged calving season (147 days) can result in an operation only 77% as profitable as an operation with a 63-day calving season. A calf death loss of 15% is projected to result in an operation only 87% as profitable as an operation with a 4% death loss.