ABSTRACT
Diet formulation is the math and art of combining feed ingredients, including pasture and preserved forages, to supply nutrients economically for animal function. There are many approaches, but all rely on good estimates of nutrient requirements and concentrations of measureable feed components to supply those nutrients. The approach taken in this chapter is one of relative simplicity. Nutrients are defined as the chemicals absorbed into the blood stream and distributed to body tissues. They include water, carbohydrates, amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
