HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Roush, W. B. Articles by Branton, S. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Roush, W. B. Articles by Branton, S. L.

An Adjustable Nutrient Margin of Safety Comparison Using Linear and Stochastic Programming in an Excel Spreadsheet¹

USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Poultry Research Unit, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762

² Corresponding author: BRoush{at}msa-msstate.ars.usda.gov

A stochastic-linear program Excel workbook was developed that consisted of 2 worksheets illustrating linear and stochastic program approaches. Both approaches used the Excel Solver add-in. A published linear program problem served as an example for the ingredients, nutrients, and costs and as a benchmark in the development of the linear and stochastic programs. Standard deviations for ME and nutrients were taken or calculated from CV, and from a commercial publication of sources for amino acids. The Excel spreadsheet was set up so that the calculated margin of safety (MOS) value, according to the requested probability, was the same for both the linear and stochastic programs. As an example, the probability for meeting the nutrient value for protein was compared at 50% (MOS = 0) and 69% (MOS = 0.5) by using both linear and stochastic programming. Spreadsheet results illustrated the flexibility, accuracy, and precision of the stochastic program over the linear program in meeting the requested nutrient probability.

Key Words: linear program • stochastic program • margin of safety • diet formulation

¹ Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				W. B. Roush, J. Purswell, and S. L. Branton Microsoft Excel sensitivity analysis for linear and stochastic program feed formulation J. Appl. Poult. Res., January 1, 2009; 18(1): 85 - 89. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]