DESIGN AND VALIDATION OF AN ANIMAL TRACTION MODULE FOR A SMALLHOLDER LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS SIMULATION-MODEL

Animal traction often forms an important part of smallholder farming s ystems. To model it as an essential link between the cropping and live stock subsystems, concepts from agricultural engineering, soil science , agronomy and animal production must be integrated The conceptual mod el described in this paper includes traction requirements, traction su pply, nutrient requirements for traction, and influences on other prod uction functions. A sensitivity analysis singled out the most importan t input variables; working time is influenced most by working width, p arcel area, and speed; the energy costs of traction are influenced mos t by working width and parcel area. Validation of the model with data from Pabna District, Bangladesh, shows that the model properly simulat es the actual situation. Actual working times and live weight changes are closely approximated Energy requirements for traction amount to 0. 75-1-01 MJ net energy/h.