Abstract
In the present study, alternative and traditional nonlinear models to describe growth curves of Morada Nova sheep reared in the state of Bahia, Brazil, were applied. The nonlinear models were: Schnute, Mitscherlich, Gompertz, Logistic, Meloun I Meloun II, III Meloun, Gamito and Meloun IV. The model adjustment was evaluated by using: Adjusted Coefficient of Determination (R²aj), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Mean Squared Error of Prediction (MEP) and Coefficient of Determination of Prediction (R²p). The selection of the best model was based on cluster analysis, using the evaluators as variables. Six out of the nine tested models converged, while Meloun I and Meloun IV were equally effective in explaining animal growth, without significant influence of sex or type of parturition over the curve parameters. The models Meloun I and IV have the best adjustment and reveal a remarkable reduction of weight gain after 150 days of age, which indicates special attention should be given to feeding at this stage.
Highlights
In recent years, studies focusing on growth curves have increased due to the development of new computational techniques for faster and more accurate analyses as well as the availability of new models to be tested (Silveira et al, 2011)
In the present study, alternative and traditional nonlinear models to describe growth curves of Morada Nova sheep reared in the state of Bahia, Brazil, were applied
This paper describes the best adjusted nonlinear models to weight and age in Morada Nova sheep based on different quality evaluators and cluster analysis
Summary
Studies focusing on growth curves have increased due to the development of new computational techniques for faster and more accurate analyses as well as the availability of new models to be tested (Silveira et al, 2011). Because of its small size and adaptability, Morada Nova plays an important role to smallholders in rural areas (Domingues, 1941, 1950; Gurgel et al, 1992) In spite of their importance to the human population in northeastern Brazil and potential for international trade, Morada Nova populations are dispersed into small flocks across different regions of Brazil and lack genetic monitoring. The influence of non-genetic factors on model parameters was investigated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
