Design and validation of an animal traction module for a smallholder livestock systems simulation model

Abstract

Animal traction often forms an important part of smallholder farming systems. To model it as an essential link between the cropping and livestock subsystems, concepts from agricultural engineering, soil science, agronomy and animal production must be integrated. The conceptual model described in this paper includes traction requirements, traction supply, nutrient requirements for traction, and influences on other production functions. A sensitivity analysis singled out the most important input variables; working time is influenced most by working width, parcel area, and speed; the energy costs of traction are influenced most by working width and parcel area. Validation of the model with data from Pabna District, Bangladesh, shows that the model properly simulates the actual situation. Actual working times and live weight changes are closely approximated. Energy requirements for traction amount to 0.75–1.01 MJ net energy/h.