Frequently asked questions about AFOS
Looking for answers about how AFOS works, who it’s for, and what makes it unique? This page covers everything from pricing and optimization methods to species support, cloud access, compliance with feed standards, and more.
Whether you’re a feed mill, consultant, premix company, or farm nutritionist, you’ll find clear, practical answers that help you decide if AFOS is the right solution for your animal feed formulation needs.
What is feed formulation software
Feed formulation software is a specialized tool used by animal nutritionists, feed manufacturers, and researchers to design balanced diets for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pets.
It calculates the optimal combination of raw materials to meet specific nutritional requirements at the lowest possible cost, taking into account nutrient composition, ingredient prices, and production constraints.
Modern feed formulation software goes beyond basic calculations, it includes quality control checks, regulatory compliance validation, raw material management, reporting tools, label design and management, and integration with laboratory or production systems.
By using feed formulation software, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, ensure consistent product quality, and comply with nutritional standards.
Is AFOS cloud-based and available globally?
Yes, AFOS is fully cloud-based and accessible from anywhere in the world. You can log in from any modern web browser without installing or updating anything locally.
AFOS works seamlessly across all major platforms including Windows PCs, Macs, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, and Linux systems, with no need for installation or specific hardware requirements.
Multiple users can access the same account from different locations at the same time, each with their own user rights and permissions, enabling real-time collaboration between nutritionists, managers, and production staff. Each user can view data in their preferred units of measure (e.g. metric tons, pounds, grams, kcal, MJ), making the platform adaptable for international teams and local practices.
All data is securely stored on remote servers with encrypted backups, and AFOS is used across multiple continents, from individual farms to multinational feed companies.
What makes AFOS different from other feed formulation software?
AFOS stands out from other feed formulation platforms in five key areas:
1. True cloud accessibility with multi-user collaboration
AFOS works from any device, in any location, with no need for installation or local infrastructure. Multiple users can work simultaneously across departments or countries, each with personalized units of measure. Large feed companies with teams spread over multiple continents rely on AFOS daily.
To our knowledge, AFOS is the only platform in this space offering this level of real-time collaboration and device flexibility.
2. Fully integrated ecosystem
AFOS brings everything together in one place: formulation, optimization, raw material management, pricing, standards compliance, labeling, laboratory analysis and reporting. All modules are part of a single, unified environment.
3. Transparent and simplified licensing
AFOS eliminates hidden costs. There are no upfront hardware expenses, no upgrade fees, no training charges. Just a clear annual or monthly license. All updates and improvements are included.
4. Fast, dedicated support
Our team responds quickly and directly. Most questions are answered the same day, and priority one issues are addressed within 8 hours. We build long-term partnerships by staying responsive and proactive.
5. Built on years of field experience and user feedback
AFOS is continuously developed and refined based on real-world usage, feedback from global users, and deep domain knowledge in animal nutrition, feed manufacturing and software engineering.
This ensures the platform evolves with industry needs, stays practical in everyday use, and delivers features that truly matter to professionals on the ground.
Can I import my existing raw materials and formulas into AFOS?
Yes, AFOS includes powerful import tools that make it easy to bring in your existing raw materials, nutrient data, and formulas. You can upload your data using standard spreadsheet templates, such as Excel or CSV files, or enter it manually if preferred.
We also offer a ready-to-use raw material database that can be imported with a single click to help you get started quickly. In addition, AFOS supports importing from public databases that are widely used in the industry.
If you already have your own database or structured data, we understand that formatting it for AFOS may not always be simple, especially if your team is not technically focused. That is why our team is available to help you with the entire data transfer process, free of charge.
And if you are switching from another feed formulation software, we can programmatically migrate your raw materials, formulas, and other relevant data into AFOS to ensure a smooth transition.
Can I export reports, labels, and formulations in Excel or PDF?
Yes, AFOS allows you to export all key data in multiple formats, including Excel, CSV, PDF, Word, and image files.
Reports such as formulations, raw material details, nutrient matrices, and pricing summaries can be exported to Excel, CSV, PDF, and in some cases, directly to Word.
Labels can be printed directly if a printer is connected, or exported as PNG, SVG, JPEG, or PDF files for digital use or printing.
All export templates can be customized to match your internal standards or customer requirements, making documentation and communication simple and consistent.
How much does AFOS cost and how is it licensed?
AFOS is licensed on a monthly or annual basis, depending on your preferences and needs.
Because every user is different, we do not offer one-size-fits-all pricing. Instead, we take time to understand your business model, the number of users, required modules, and any custom features you may need.
After a brief consultation, we will propose the most suitable edition of AFOS and provide a tailored offer that reflects your actual usage and goals.
To receive a proposal, simply contact us and we will schedule a quick discovery call to guide you through the process.
Can AFOS be customized for specific company needs?
Yes, AFOS is designed to adapt to your company’s specific requirements, both functionally and technically.
The platform is built using the latest cloud technologies, modern web tools, and scalable frameworks, which makes it flexible, fast, and ready for integration.
AFOS supports custom development for features, reports, calculation logic, optimization rules, and interface elements, based on your operational and regulatory needs.
In addition to functional customization, AFOS can be integrated with virtually any third-party software. Whether you need to pull data from external systems or push data to another platform, AFOS can connect through APIs or data exchange formats.
Integrations are possible with ERP systems, laboratory software, accounting tools, logistics platforms, and more — enabling a seamless digital workflow across your organization.
All customizations and integrations are developed by our in-house team to ensure long-term reliability, support, and maintainability.
Can I use AFOS in multiple languages?
Yes, AFOS supports multiple languages and can be used by international teams with different language preferences.
The platform currently supports English, Spanish, and Chinese. More languages will be added in the future based on user needs and market demand.
Users can select their preferred language for the interface, and labels and reports can also be generated in multiple languages.
Language settings can be configured per user, allowing global teams to work together while each person sees the content in their own language.
How soon can I start, and is a credit card required?
You can start right away. At the top of the screen, click the “Try for free” button to create your free account.
Once logged in, open the menu and activate your Pro Trial — this will give you one month of full access with every feature, module, and functionality unlocked.
After the trial, some features will remain active while others will be locked. You can then choose the edition or plan that best suits your needs, or contact us and we’ll help you select the most appropriate option.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
If you cancel your subscription, your account will remain active until the end of your current billing period.
You will still have access to your data and can export it at any time.
Once the subscription ends, some features will be disabled, but your data will be securely stored in case you decide to return.
You can reactivate your subscription at any time and regain full access without losing your information.
Is there a free download for AFOS feed formulation software?
AFOS is cloud-based, so there’s nothing to download or install, you can access it directly from any device with an internet connection and a browser.
We do, however, offer a free trial so you can experience the full power of AFOS without any commitment. Simply click the “Try for free” button at the top of the page, create your free account, and activate your Pro Trial from the menu to get one month of all features and modules unlocked.
What is AFOS and who is it for?
AFOS stands for Animal Feed Optimization Software.
It is a cloud-based feed formulation platform designed for animal nutritionists, feed consultants, premix and compound feed companies, and farms of all sizes.
AFOS allows users to create optimized feed formulas based on nutritional requirements, raw material costs, and technical constraints of the production process, such as mixer capabilities, batching limits, or minimum and maximum inclusion levels.
It supports formulations for poultry, ruminants, aquaculture, pigs, and pets.
With its intuitive interface, powerful optimization engine, and compliance tools, AFOS offers complete feed management in a modern, flexible environment.
How does AFOS help reduce feed cost per ton?
AFOS helps reduce feed cost per ton by optimizing formulas using linear and mixed-integer programming.
It calculates the most cost-effective combination of ingredients that satisfy nutritional, economic, and production constraints defined by the user. Users can explore multiple formulation scenarios, compare ingredient alternatives, and perform advanced economic analyses, including sensitivity analysis, cost structure breakdowns, and shadow cost evaluation.
The system highlights which constraints are contributing most to the total cost, helping users identify opportunities for adjustment. For example, a strict crude protein minimum or a fixed inclusion of expensive ingredients may significantly increase cost.
Users can make informed decisions and fine-tune their formulas to achieve meaningful savings without compromising nutritional quality or regulatory compliance.
Which animal species are supported in AFOS?
AFOS supports feed formulation for a wide range of animal species including poultry (broilers, layers, breeders), pigs (weaners, growers, finishers, sows), ruminants (dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats), aquaculture species (fish and shrimp), and pets such as dogs and cats.
Beyond these, AFOS includes a generic optimization engine that allows users to create nutritional models and formulas for practically any animal type, even exotic or less common species.
Each species can have its own nutrient requirement profile and technical constraints, ensuring precise, reliable, and cost-effective formulations across all feed categories, from complete feeds to premixes and concentrates.
Is AFOS compliant with AAFCO, EU, or other feed labeling standards?
Yes, AFOS supports feed formulation and labeling according to major international standards, including AAFCO (USA), European Union feed regulations, and local standards defined by the user.
The platform allows users to define multiple sets of standards for nutrients, ingredient declarations, and targets. These standards can be applied during formulation and used automatically to validate recipes.
AFOS can also generate labeling and composition data, and analyze regulatory requirements based on the selected standard.
Whether you operate under AAFCO, EU, or country-specific frameworks, AFOS gives you full control over how formulas are validated and labeled.
What types of feeds can I formulate in AFOS?
AFOS allows users to formulate a wide variety of feed types used in modern animal nutrition and commercial feed production.
This includes premixes, concentrates, complete feeds, compound feeds, panels, rations, and pet food.
Each feed type can be customized with its own nutrient targets, ingredient rules, and production logic, giving nutritionists full control over both technical formulation and economic optimization.
Whether you’re creating a high-spec vitamin premix, a balanced dairy ration, or a finished pet food product, AFOS provides the flexibility to support your workflow from start to finish, all within one system.
How does optimization work in AFOS?
AFOS uses mathematical optimization techniques to calculate the most cost-effective combination of ingredients that meets all nutritional, economic, and technical requirements defined by the user.
The system supports both linear programming and mixed-integer programming, allowing for precise control over inclusion rates, minimum and maximum limits, ratios, and group constraints. Users can set nutrient targets, price constraints, and production limitations relevant to their specific feed type and process.
AFOS also provides visibility into the economic impact of each constraint through shadow cost analysis, boundary cost evaluation, distribution view, and sensitivity analysis.
Optimization in the current version is based on cost minimization, ensuring the most economical result within the defined parameters. In future versions, users will also be able to choose alternative optimization goals, such as minimizing CO2 impact, or balancing between cost and environmental footprint.
What support and onboarding help do you provide?
AFOS provides fast, personalized support to all users, from onboarding to daily operations.
New users receive onboarding assistance that includes guided sessions, data import support, and configuration help to get started quickly and confidently.
Our support team is available to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide advice on best practices in formulation and software use.
Most questions are answered within the same day, and priority one issues are handled within eight working hours.
All support is included in your license, with no extra cost for assistance, updates, or upgrades.
How secure is my data in AFOS?
Data security is a top priority in AFOS.
All user data is stored on secure cloud infrastructure with strong access control, encrypted backups, and industry-standard protection mechanisms.
Communication between your device and AFOS servers is encrypted, and all activity is monitored to ensure data safety and availability.
User accounts can be configured with custom access rights, and we do not share, sell, or expose your data to any third parties. Your information remains strictly private and accessible only to authorized users within your organization.
For corporate clients, AFOS also supports advanced security features such as two-factor authentication, on-premises installations, private cloud deployments, and local data copies.
These options provide full control over data residency, access policies, and integration with internal security protocols.
How often is AFOS updated with new features?
AFOS is continuously improved based on user feedback, industry trends, and technological advancements.
New versions are published every month or every two months, depending on the size and scope of the release.
All updates are deployed automatically through the cloud, with no manual installation required.
Improvements include new features, enhancements, and performance upgrades — all included in your license at no additional cost.
Major updates are announced in advance and accompanied by release notes and user guides when needed.
Our development roadmap is shaped together with our users, ensuring that AFOS evolves in ways that are practical, valuable, and aligned with real-world needs of the feed industry.
Do I need to install AFOS or handle updates?
No installation is needed, AFOS runs entirely in the cloud. You can access it from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection and a browser.
All updates and upgrades are applied automatically, so you always work with the latest features and improvements without having to download or install anything.
Do you provide training for AFOS users?
Yes, free of charge for all licensed customers.
AFOS is designed to be intuitive, with features and tools exactly where you expect them to be, so most users need little or no formal training.
However, we provide free training for every licensed user, and we can repeat any session if something needs clarification or a refresher.
All training is included with your license at no additional cost.