Mathematical models of the physiological mechanisms affecting the adaptation of growing cattle during and after a period of undernutrition

Witten, Gareth

Mathematical models of the physiological mechanisms affecting the adaptation of growing cattle during and after a period of undernutrition

Doctoral Thesis

2002

Abstract

[NOT OCR'D] Grazing animals in the semi-arid tropics are subjected to short or long periods of moderate to severe undernutrition. Many simulation models were developed to represent the mechanisms of ruminant adaptation. These mechanisms include, among others, the differential mobilization of tissues, the recycling of nitrogen to the rumen via the saliva and across the rumen wall, and the relation between intake and animal size. However, most simulation models have attempted to represent the mechanisms for above-maintenance nutritional restrictions. In this study, a simulation model, a linked rumen and intermediary metabolism model (RUMET), is developed to simulate rumen function and nutrient utilization during continuous growth, undernutrition (submaintenance) and realimentation for growing cattle.

Keywords

Applied Mathematics

Reference:

Collections

PhD / Doctoral

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