Feeding trials were conducted to test a computer program designed to formulate rations resulting in maximum income above feed costs from lactating dairy cows. Factors considered by the computer include feed prices, milk prices, milk production response to varying levels of nutrients, maximum voluntary feed intake, and productive ability of the cow. Cows fed the computer-formulated rations returned $15 to $21 more income above feed costs per year than cows fed control rations.

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Mr. Swanson, Dairy Manager, and his staff at Deuel Vocational Institution assisted in conducting the feeding trial on their premises, and assistance was also received from Loren Bennett, Programmer, and R.B. Walker, Staff Research Associate, for tabulation of data, and statistical analysis.