Optimization of feed procurement technology to minimize the cost of milk for farms of different production capacities

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2026.359366

Keywords:

roughage, diet, nutrients, dairy farm, model, optimization, cost price

Abstract

The object of research is the processes of harvesting, storage and feeding of stalk fodder in the feed supply system of Ukrainian dairy farms of various sizes and their impact on the economic indicators of milk production.

The research solves the problem of choosing the optimal and economically feasible method of fodder procurement for certain production conditions. A nonlinear model has been developed for choosing the method of procurement for silage-hay feed rations of dairy farms of various production capacities (from 100 to 1200 heads) has been developed.

The relevance of research is due to the need to create a scientifically based tool for optimizing the technology of fodder procurement, aimed at increasing the efficiency of fodder production, preserving the nutritional value of products and ensuring the competitiveness of dairy cattle breeding.

A model has been developed for optimizing production based on nonlinear programming, which takes into account technological, biochemical and economic losses of nutrients. The optimization criterion was chosen as the cost of 1 kg of milk, provided that the physiological needs of animals in dry matter, protein, and metabolizable energy are met. The theoretical model was built on the basis of nutrient balance ratios, production function of productivity, cost function and optimization of the production structure taking into account resource, technological and market constraints. The implementation was carried out using iterative methods. The results indicate an economically feasible production volume within 944–1150 cows for the productivity level, where the minimum specific costs are achieved. It is proven that a reduction in dry matter losses by 5% provides a reduction in the cost of milk by 3–6% depending on the size of the farm. Three-dimensional response surfaces were constructed, which can serve as a tool for planning dairy farms.

Author Biographies

Pavlo Luts, Vinnytsia National Agrarian University

PhD, Senior Lecturer

Department of Machines and Equipment of Agricultural Production

Ihor Babyn, Vinnytsia National Agrarian University

PhD, Associate Professor

Department of Machines and Equipment of Agricultural Production

Serhii Burlaka, Vinnytsia National Agrarian University

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor

Department of Engineering Mechanics and Technological Processes in the Agricultural Industry

Viktor Mykytyuk, Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University

Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor

Department of Animal Feeding and Breeding Technology

Ruslan Kisilov, Central Ukrainian National Technical University

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor

Department of Agricultural Machine Building

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Optimization of feed procurement technology to minimize the cost of milk for farms of different production capacities

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Luts, P., Babyn, I., Burlaka, S., Mykytyuk, V., & Kisilov, R. (2026). Optimization of feed procurement technology to minimize the cost of milk for farms of different production capacities. Technology Audit and Production Reserves, 2(3(88), 68–75. https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2026.359366

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3(88) (2026): Chemical engineering

Section

Food Production Technology

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Copyright (c) 2026 Pavlo Luts, Ihor Babyn, Serhii Burlaka, Viktor Mykytyuk, Ruslan Kisilov

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