Use of stochastic programming in least-cost feed formulation for african catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in semi-intensive culture system in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was undertaken to capture nutrient variability in least-cost feed formulation for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using stochastic programming technique. The aim was to minimize the risk of not meeting the nutrient requirements through under formulation and overformulation which will result in high cost. Five isonitrogenous (32s% CP), isocaloric (2800 kcal kg-1) and isolipidic (6.00% lipids) diets were formulated. The control diet was formulated using linear programming technique at 50% probability level while the test diets were formulated by stochastic programming technique at 50, 60, 70, 80 and 85% probability levels. The formulated rations were tested on catfish fingerlings (20.15-20.50 g) twice daily for 6 days a week in triplicate groups of experiments for 150 days in earthen ponds for growth performance and feed utilization. Result indicated an improved formula quality as the formulation progressed from 60 to 85% probability level thereby taking care of the nutrient variability problem. Growth performance and feed utilization parameters were significantly (p<0.05; 0.01 and 0.001) better in the test diets. Stochastic programming is a better approach as compared to linear programming especially in solving nutrients variability which is the linear programming disadvantage. Additionally, stochastic programming's advantages are minimizing cost and the variability of nutrients is accounted for in the formulation. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.