Optimization of Catfish (Clarias sp.) Feed Formulation Using Linear Programming to Minimize Production Costs

Abstract

Feed costs constitute the largest component in aquaculture operations, accounting for over 60% of total production costs. This presents a major operational constraint for micro to medium-scale catfish (Clarias sp.) farmers amidst high fluctuations in market raw material prices. This study aims to determine the most optimal catfish feed formulation by minimizing costs to the lowest point, while strictly meeting the national standard nutritional thresholds based on SNI 01-4087-2006. The quantitative method utilized is the Operations Research discipline through a Linear Programming approach assisted by Microsoft Excel Solver computational software. Experimental simulations were conducted using estimated market price databases for the 2025/2026 period across four primary local raw material candidates: fish meal, soybean meal, rice bran, and corn meal. The mathematical model was executed using the Simplex algorithm to find the feasible solution point. Computational optimization results demonstrate that the best formulation composition to produce 100 kg of feed consists of 37.65 kg of fish meal, 60.00 kg of rice bran, and 2.35 kg of corn meal, without utilizing soybean meal. This formulation is validated to produce feed with precise proportions of 30.00% protein, 11.66% fat, and 8.00% crude fiber, with a total independent production cost of IDR 10,453 per kilogram. Compared to the average commercial manufactured feed price reaching IDR 15,000 per kilogram, this optimization model significantly offers a potential production cost reduction efficiency of 30.31%. This research empirically proves that the application of Linear Programming mathematical modeling can be implemented as a precise decision support system for farmers to achieve high-quality feed independence.