A bioeconomic model by quantitative biology to estimate swine production

Abstract

A bioeconomic computer model was constructed to simulate biological and economic inputs and outputs for life cycle swine production. Parameters and relationships used in model were developed and verified by comparison with experimental results in the literature. The bioeconomic model was constructed by several modules such as growth and development, pregnancy, lactation, and replacement gilt etc. The result is: (1) the bioeconomic computer model was efficient way to describe pig production system and research factors' effect and their interactions. (2) Traits in the model were: oestrus traits; mature weight and feed requirements of sows; longevity of sows; litter size; growth rate and daily feed intake of young pigs and fatteners; mortality rate of pigs. (3) Sow longevity is 2.12 years and yearly culling rate is 47.20%. Yearly farrowing sow is 2.08 and total numbers of farrowings per gilt is 4.62. (4) Average litter size total born is 11.23, litter size born alive is 10.40, litter size weaned is 8.80. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing.