A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Based Linear Programming Model to Optimize Feed Cost for Indian Ruminants: With Stochastic Model in Comparison

Ruminant animals, such as goats and sheep, have a greater ability to convert feed into milk and meat, which are significant sources of protein and other nutrients for human use. Ruminant animals have long played a significant part in India’s agriculture sector, providing a living for many small and large farmers. According to Pradip Kumar (20th livestock census-2019: All India report, 2022), India has the world’s second biggest goat population and the third largest sheep population, both of which contribute to the agricultural economy. The research focuses on developing a low-cost feed formulation for Indian ruminant animals such as sheep and goats that meets the nutritional needs of (ICAR, Nutrient requirements of sheep, goat and rabbit, 2013) criteria. An Excel-based tool has been developed to compute ruminant nutritional needs depending on body weight in kg, ADG (average daily gain) in g at various ruminant body circumstances. The hybrid real-coded genetic algorithm (RGA) has been used to solve LP models, and the results are compared to standard approaches such as the Excel-based simplex method, GRG nonlinear, and evolutionary algorithm. Paired-t test indicated that there is a non-significant large difference between the study of Patil et al. (J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 106:968–977, 2021) (M = 525.1, SD = 39.4) and the present study (M = 590.1, SD = 71.8), t (1) = 2.8, p = 0.216 for TDN. Significant large difference between the study of Patil et al. (J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 106:968–977, 2021) (M = 109.5, SD = 14.8) and the present study (M = 125.2, SD = 15.2), t (1) = 62.6, p = 0.010 for CP and non-significant medium difference between the study of Patil et al. (J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 106:968–977, 2021) (M = 0.8, SD = 0.08) and the present study (M = 0.8, SD = 0.09), t (1) = 1, p = 0.500 for DMI. It reveals that RGA method can be also be used which provides least cost. However, fixing of constrains and use of code for making software is also be considered while choosing the techniques for making least cost feed formulation.