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Simple simulation: prediction of intake by dairy cows using a spreadsheet model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 November 2017

J M Forbes
J M Forbes*
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT
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Extract

Spreadsheet computer programs provide a two-dimensional matrix into whose cells numbers and text can be placed and manipulated. A cell can also contain a formula which causes a calculation to be performed on values In other cells and the answer shown on the screen. Graphs can be produced from specified ranges of values in cells. Thus a spreadsheet is well suited to financial accounting. Modelling biological systems has often been thought to be complicated and to involve writing a computer program. Simulation languages take away much of the detailed programming effort but still require the user to learn the syntax and capabilities of the language.

The aim Is to develop a simple model of voluntary feed Intake by the lactating cow using a spreadsheet program. The basis is the model described by Forbes (1988) simplified for a complete feed rather than forage and concentrates but with the level of intake determined by both metabolic and physical factors rather than by which ever of those two Is the lower.

Type
Prediction and Measurement of Intake by Cattle
Information
Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) , Volume 1989 , March 1989 , pp. 74
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 1989

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References

Anil, M.H., Forbes, J.M. and Mbanya, J.N. 1987. Additive effects of acetate, propionate and distension of the rumen on hay Intake by lactatlng cows. Journal of Physiology, 386 61P.Google Scholar
Forbes, J.M. 1977. Development of a model of voluntary food intake and energy balance In lactatlng cows. Animal Production, 24 203–214.Google Scholar
Forbes, J.M. 1988. Prediction of food intake by lactatlng cows. In “Nutrition and Lactation In the Dairy Cow”, ed Garnsworthy, P.C., Butterworths, London, p294–312.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mbanya, J.N., Anil, M.H. and Forbes, J.M. 1989. Combined effects of lntrarumlnal application of acetate, propionate and distension on silage Intake by dairy cows. Animal Production, (this meeting).Google Scholar
Wood, P.D.P. 1969. Factors affecting the shape of the lactation curve In cattle. Animal Production, 11 307–316.Google Scholar