PREFERRED COMPONENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SIMULATION-MODEL OF GROWTH, FEED-INTAKE AND NUTRIENT-REQUIREMENTS OF GROWING PIGS

Components for a simulation model are described to predict feed intake , amino acid requirements and body composition changes over time on th e basis of the inherent potential protein growth rate of pigs varying in genotype. The potential protein growth rate of the animal is predic ted each day based on its genotype and state, from which the potential growth rate of the other chemical components can be predicted and hen ce the nutrient requirements can be calculated. By considering the pot ential growth rate, the nutrient requirements, the nutrient supply (th e composition of the feed) and the environment simultaneously, the con strained food intake can be predicted. If this is less than the desire d food intake, the actual growth rate will be less than the potential growth rate. In either case, the growth rate of each of the chemical c omponents can be predicted for that day. This final state of the anima l at the end of the day becomes the initial state on the next day, and the process is repeated.