An age-structured model is developed for erythropoiesis and is reduced
to a system of threshold-type differential delay equations using the
method of characteristics. Under certain assumptions, this model can b
e reduced to a system of delay differential equations with two delays.
The parameters in the system are estimated from experimental data, an
d the model is simulated for a normal human subject following a loss o
f blood. The characteristic equation of the two-delay equation is anal
yzed and shown to exhibit Hopf bifurcations when the destruction rate
of erythrocytes is increased. A numerical study for a rabbit with auto
immune hemolytic anemia is performed and compared with experimental da
ta.