title: Identifying features, performance, and limitations of dairy ration formulation software: a comparison of three ration formulation programs.
abstract: A method for evaluating and selecting dairy ration formulation software for microcomputers is presented. Information obtained from a survey of practicing nutritionists and from interviews with computer programmers was used to identify users' needs, desired features, and patterns of use. A benchmark problem consisting of 15 activities frequently required in designing dairy rations was developed to evaluate ease of use, ease of learning, and software performance. Ease of use was measured by counting keystrokes and recording time required by a user familiar with these ration formulation programs to complete the benchmark problem. Ease of learning was measured as the amount of help and time needed by users unfamiliar with this software to complete the benchmark problem. Software performance was measured by speed of formulation, ration costs, ingredients and amounts selected, and nutrient content of rations. Evaluation of three commercially available software applications was made using the method developed.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare 93274.
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Olivas
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Galland
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D008331:Management Information Systems; D008838:Microcomputers; D012984:Software