Mam. Machiels et al., THE USE OF MODELS IN THE ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, Netherlands journal of agricultural science, 42(1), 1994, pp. 3-10
Modelling of animal production systems as a whole is mainly used for e
xtensively managed systems, such as fishing and hunting natural animal
populations. This type of modelling is widely used in fisheries manag
ement, but has as yet found limited application in the modelling of ex
tensive cultivation practices. Modelling of terrestrial animal product
ion is concentrated on the breeding process and on growth and food con
version. For intensive fish culture, modelling concentrates more on gr
owth of individual animals. There is a shortage of experience in model
ling extensive and semi- intensive cultivation systems, both in aquati
c and terrestrial animal production (pond culture, integrated farming)
. This paper provides a systematic overview of the types of models in
use for animal production systems; these models differ in their contro
l over production factors. The state of the art with respect to modell
ing subsystems is also sketched. Special attention is paid to the mode
lling and prediction of the environmental load caused by the output of
present systems and to the search for alternative management strategi
es following this whole system approach.