Cost and Quality Optimization of a Weaning Diet from Plant Protein, Corn Flour and Groundnut Using a Computer-aided Linear Programming Model

A cost minimization linear programming model was used to select some locally available feeding stuff as substitute for the conventional infant foods. The use of 58% white maize; 41% groundnuts and 1% Soyabean meals was optimum in formulating a good substitute for the conventional infant food based on the data available in Nigeria. At an estimated cost of 399.25 per pack of 450 gramme weight, the formulation was more than four times cheaper than the least priced commonly marketed tinned baby foods on- shelf in Nigeria. Sensitivity analysis of the linear programming solution on input costs and industry standards indicated that a good quality infant food substitute can be compounded at minimum costs while sourcing the needed proteins and other ingredients from plant origin. This result is important in view of the relative abundance of cheap local grain legumes in the study area. It is also in favour of the Federal Government policy which encourages patronage and use of local produce.