SEARCH Articles Figures Tables However, in practice, some simplification is possible because the energy concentration of dairy cow diets does not vary over such a wide range as that of growing cattle, and it is reasonable to assume constant values. If is assumed to be 0.72 and ki is assumed to be 0.62, then ration formulation becomes relatively easy .This can be done by computer using a mathematical technique known as linear programming. However, a simple method of doing this, assmning that silage is the cheapest ration component, is illustrated in Box 12.3. Ration formulation for dairy cows is often [Publishers Imprint]