The modelling of growth in the pig.

Abstract

The modelling of growth in the pig is reviewed, with particular reference to the schematic approach developed by the authors and others, in which growth is modelled from the supply of digested amino acids and the intake of protein-free energy. Potential gains in protein and fat content are used to calculate body weight gain, body composition and carcass composition. It is suggested that future models should be more deductive and less empirical than present models, and that it may be possible to describe the control of gains in fat and protein content in terms of cellular activity. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)