A model of mammalian energetics and growth: model testing (sheep)

The dynamic model of growth of an animal from conception through to maturit y (Vetharaniam, 2001 A model of mammalian energetics and growth: model deve lopment. Agricultural Systems, 68, 55-68) is tested against data for sheep growth, to gauge its usefulness. The model is based on opposing forces of a nabolism and katabolism, and does not include forcing functions for growth. The model gave good predictions of fetal and placental growth dynamics for sheep, including the differences between singleton and multiple offspring, as well as reproducing the post-natal growth patterns corresponding to ram s with genetic merit similar to that of the fetuses. Although maintenance a nd fasting heat production are not explicit concepts in the model, the mode l was able to reproduce these through its mechanisms. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.