A Dynamic Programming Model for Pig Production

The feeding policy of a pig production unit affects both the cost of production and the weight and carcase composition of the pigs produced. Since the market value of the pigs produced is determined by the weight and composition of the carcase, feeding policy has a major influence on the economic performance of the unit. In order to evaluate possible feeding policies, the effect of feed intake on both the weight and the body composition of the growing pig must be known, and since an optimal policy will involve using least cost rations, it must be possible to determine the least cost rations to produce liveweight gains of specified body composition. A dynamic programming model to determine the optimal feeding policy to produce pigs of specified weight and carcase composition is developed using a published pig growth model which allows the formulation of the required least cost rations, and the use of this dynamic programming model is illustrated.