FeedMaster: A least-cost feed formulation App for minimizing the cost and maximizing milk yield

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Husbandry
• Mobile Technology in Agriculture

Background:

• Farmers, especially those with limited education, face challenges in optimizing animal feed rations for cost-effectiveness and productivity.
• The development of accessible digital tools is crucial for improving agricultural practices in developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an Android application (BLRI FeedMaster) for formulating least-cost animal feed rations.
• To assess the app's impact on milk yield, feeding costs, and management efficiency for farmers with low educational status.

Main Methods:

• Development of the BLRI FeedMaster Android application for ration formulation.
• Field evaluation involving livestock officers and farmers, with data collection on milk yield, feed quantity, and costs.
• Statistical analysis using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests to compare pre- and post-app adoption outcomes.

Main Results:

• Adoption of the BLRI FeedMaster app led to a significant increase in average daily milk yield (8.37 to 9.39 liters).
• The app resulted in a considerable decrease in daily feed quantity (5.60 to 4.88 kg) and associated costs (BDT 29.75 to BDT 28.00).
• Significant reductions were observed in farmer visits for professional services, time spent, and associated costs.

Conclusions:

• The BLRI FeedMaster app is highly beneficial for farmers with low economic and educational backgrounds.
• The application can contribute to profitable animal farming and sustainable production in developing countries like Bangladesh.