Application of Transportation Problem Models on Cattle Business in Niger State Using Russell’s Approximation Method

Abstract

To run a successful cattle business, you will have to select a cattle market where the cattle trader will purchase the cattle to be delivered whenever the customers need them, however, there are so many problems in the distribution of cattle to various markets. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the transportation problem models on cattle business in Niger state, Nigeria at a minimum cost using Russell’s Approximation Method by selecting seven cattle markets (Bangi, Beji, Ibeto, Kawon-Kontagora, Kuta, Mariga and Tungar-Malam) in Niger state for distribution to some selected locations in Akure, Ibadan, Ilorin, Ijebu-Ode, Lagos and Oshogbo in the South Western part of Nigeria at a minimum cost. The Russell’s Approximation method is used to find the Initial Basic Feasible Solution (N36, 703, 723.98). The optimality method is tested via Stepping Stone Method and found it to be not optimal. Furthermore, the optimal solution is found using MS Excel solver. The minimum cost of transportation is found to be N36, 159,785.13.

Keywords

• Cattle transportation;
• Optimality Test;
• Approximation Method;
• Destination