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NUTBAL Pro Software

What is NUTBAL Pro?

    The Nutritional Balance Analyzer for Windows, or NUTBAL Pro, is an update of the DOS-based version employing many new tools and the latest scientific knowledge on grazing animal nutrition.  This decision-support software asks the user for information regarding animal attributes, environmental conditions, pasture conditions, feeding program, ad metabolic modifiers.  The program incorporates GAN Lab analyses CP, DOM, FN and FP.

    NUTBAL Pro is available on CD-Rom only.  The CD also includes electronic copies of training materials, sampling instructions and other helpful information.  A multi-language version of the software is also in development to include Spanish and French.

What can NUTBAL Pro Tell You?

    NUTBAL Pro produces two primary reports.  The Standard NUTBAL Report describes nutritional intake, requirements, and balance for the following: protein, net energy for maintenance and net energy for gain.  This report also estimates average daily gain, identifies the limiting nutrient (energy or protein), and reports dry matter intake, milk production and fecal output.

    The Mediation Report selects the most cost efficient feed alternative.  The user identifies one or more protein or energy supplements available to use.  The program evaluates the feeds' value with regards to the animal's nutrient deficiency or desired gain.  The Mediation report then identifies the cost efficient option, amount to be fed, and cost per day.  The report also calculates the price per ton required for other selected supplements to the competitive with the best choice.

Example of NUTBAL Report

How can I use this information?

    NUTBAL Pro generates a vast amount of data that may be applied numerous ways.  The following are just a few brief highlights.

    A downward trend in nutritional status may indicate it is time to move the animals to new pasture.  The estimated gain or loss per day may help you decide when to start feeding or moving stockers.  Dry matter intake can be used to determine if forage will be sufficient for grazing period.  Fecal phosphorous and nitrogen output reported in lbs/day provides actual data with which to manage nutrient-loading concerns.  

How can I obtain NUTBAL Software?

1. Attend a NUTBAL workshop
2. Volume NUTBAL Package

How to Install NUTBAL Pro?

1. To preserve your database form NUTBAL PRO versions dated August 26, 2000 or later:  Go to the directory where NUTBAL PRO is installed using Windows Explorer or the My Computer icon on your desktop.  The directory is probably  C:\Program Files\PRO-English unless you selected another directory during installation.

2. Find the nutbal.mdb file (This is a MS Access file, not a folder.)

3. Select this file and click copy.

4. Go to another directory on your machine (ex: My Documents).  Select paste.  You should see the nutbal.mdb file in this directory.  You are ready to install the new version.

5. Place the CD in your CD-ROM.  Open the CD-ROM directory.  If you use the metric system of weights and measures, open the Metric folder.  If not, open the English folder.  Select the folder corresponding to your windows operating system.  Double click the Setup.exe icon.  The program will guide you through the installation.  If you get an error message when you try to run NUTBAL PRO, restart your computer to update new files.

6. After installation is complete, you may insert your previous database.  Go to the directory where you saved your database (nutbal.mdb) using the My Computer icon or Windows Explorer.  Highlight the file and click copy.  Go to the place where you installed the new version (default directory C:\Program Files\PRO-English) and click paste.  Now when you run the application, all of the old cases, profiles, etc. will be in place.   

Other Links

    NUTBAL Pro Online Bug Tracking Tool

    Utilities

Send mail to  ganlab@cnrit.tamu.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: December 05, 2001