CalRac: A microcomputer programme for the estimation of ruminant rations

CalRac is a programme made in Borland Pascal 7.0 for IBM compatible microco mputers whose objective is the preparation of bovine, sheep and goat ration s according to their category, physical state and expected production. The system has a data base containing a group of tropical feeds. New evaluation systems such as consumption index and intestinal digested protein (IDP) ar e used. It has other options such as the estimation of pasture availability and liveweight estimation in bovines. For ration preparation a linear opti mization model is created. The main results consist on the amount (kg) of f eed to be given to each animal to optimally cover requirements as well as t he cost of the ration. These results are offered whenever a solution is pos sible, otherwise, the nutrients that do not cover requirements and the amou nt needed of each one, are shown. This programme eases calculations and ena bles confort, accuracy and the optimization of these estimations.