Formulation of least cost ration is an essential activity in poultry business for maximizing returns. The present paper describes the methods for formulating the least cost broiler starter ration using the widely available and globally used Microsoft Excel-97 programme. The broiler starter ration was fonnulated using 8 feed ingredients at the cost of Rs. 626.14/1 00 kg. This provided 23 kg crude protein and 280 Meal. metabolizable energy per 100 kg. of ration in addition to 9 other nutrients at the desired levels. The problems encountered in obtaining the optimal solution are also discussed.
Least cost rations, Microsoft Excel-97, spreadsheet, linear programming, nutrients, broiler starter ration
