Economic optimization of a growth trajectory for broilers

A dynamic model was constructed to select the economically optimal growth trajectory of broilers and compute the feeding schedule designed to satisfy the nutritional requirements along this trajectory. Alterations in the normal growth rates are possible by utilization of the phenomenon of compensatory growth which follows a period of feed restriction. The optimal trajectory is solved for by a reduced-gradient nonlinear programming algorithm. The model calculates the daily optimal growth rates along with the corresponding requirements of total protein, amino acids, and energy in obtaining the optimal diets. A substantial increase in profits can be achieved by following this methodology.