Quantitative prediction of feed intake in ruminants II. Conceptual and mathematical analysis of models for cattle

A comparative mathematical and conceptual analysis of quantitative feed int ake prediction models for cattle was conducted. The objective was to analys e the theoretical basis of current cattle intake models and provide directi ons for experimental research. Results for the models analysed indicated (1 ) weak conceptual basis of models in the sense of ability to accommodate ex perimental data; (2) frequently problematic implementation in terms of math ematical properties of models; (3) absence of new hypotheses for experiment al research provided by reviewed models. These findings agree with similar results obtained in an analysis of sheep models. Suggestions for improved m odel development, implementation and documentation are provided. (C) 2001 E lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.