Livestock feed intake assumptions in decision support tools; A stocktake of the current science and assumptions used by livestock models

Authors

  • P. Frater
  • S. Howarth
  • G.J. Mcewen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2015.77.477

Abstract

Decision Support Tools (DSTs) and models are becoming increasingly important to make informed decisions. The aim of this review was to understand how the scientific assumptions behind related pasture-based DSTs used in New Zealand interrelate. Using modelled feed intake of grazing sheep as a case study, we reviewed the metabolisable energy (ME) assumptions of relevant New Zealand models. Although the DSTs were largely dependent on a common model, there were some discrepancies between them. We raise two concerns: 1. In New Zealand, pasture-based livestock models to predict ME intake are highly dependent on equations developed in Australia, not validated in New Zealand. 2. The minor discrepancies between models make collaboration difficult - this is particularly pertinent to farmer-targeted DSTs. Closer collaboration between DST companies and research institutions is required to agree on consistent, robust equations aligned with the latest scientific knowledge.

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Published

2015-01-01

How to Cite

Frater, P., Howarth, S., & Mcewen, G. (2015). Livestock feed intake assumptions in decision support tools; A stocktake of the current science and assumptions used by livestock models. Journal of New Zealand Grasslands, 77, 19–22. https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2015.77.477

Issue

Volume 77, 2015, Masterton

Section

Past volumes

License

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Rights granted to the New Zealand Grassland Association through this agreement are non-exclusive. You are free to publish the work(s) elsewhere and no ownership is assumed by the NZGA when storing or curating an electronic version of the work(s). The author(s) will receive no monetary return from the Association for the use of material contained in the manuscript. If I am one of several co-authors, I hereby confirm that I am authorized by my co-authors to grant this Licence as their agent on their behalf. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes the rights to supply the article in electronic and online forms and systems.