Flocks (optimiser)
Optimiser flocks are similar to those of the broiler model in that the same input items are dragged down to the flock. However, in the optimiser only one item of each type is allowed. If you drag down an item of a particular type that already exists in the flock, then the original one will be replaced. It is also not possible to define treatments in the flock by assigning numerous values to a variable.
A flock is defined as follows
- To create a new flock, right-click on the flocks folder at the lower-left area of the screen.
- Drag down one item of each input type (e.g. breed) to define the flock.
- When you select the flock, the following will appear:
- Select the Objective function that you wish to solve at the top. Available functions are:
- Margin over feed cost
- Margin/m²/annum
- Liveweight gain
- FCR
- Breast meat yield
- Body fat %lw
- N excretion
- Cost per kg
- Set up the feeding schedule for the flock. The feeding schedule is defined by feeds previously defined under
Client Feeds. The schedule allows each row to be defined either in terms of an amount to feed, or the number of days each feed should be fed. The buttons have the following functions: -
Add a feed (number of days) -
Add a feed (amount fed) -
Delete the currently selected row from the schedule -
If restricted feeding should be applied, select %Ad lib or Amount -
Enter the daily restrictions on the screen that appears on clicking this button.
Client Feeds. The schedule allows each row to be defined either in terms of an amount to feed, or the number of days each feed should be fed. The buttons have the following functions: 
For each feed in the schedule
- Choose a Map. These are defined under Options, EFG Broiler model mappings. Their purpose is to identify the WinFeed nutrients that should be used to obtain the values needed by the broiler model. Note that nutrients for AMEn and lysine have to be mapped, and appear in the relevant feed. The program will warn you if this is not the case.
- Set the feed form (mash, crumbles, pellets) and the percentage fines.
- Enter the amount/number of days to feed each feed.
- Enter mixing and transport costs if these are relevant.
Finally, select the tool that should be used for this solution. Once the correct tab has been selected, other settings pertinent to each tool will appear.