Systems to predict the energy and protein requirements of laying fowl

Abstract

There are several empirical formulae that describe input and output relationships in egg production, but their applicability is restricted to specific genetic, nutritional and environmental conditions. Simplistic regression relationships are not an adequate basis for the optimization of complex, dynamic and highly interactive production systems. Mechanistic and dynamic models that describe causes and interactions between input and output relations are required. In order to evaluate nutritional requirements and to predict bird responses to the concomitant influences of the internal and external factors, the development of such models seems currently to be the most profound challenge in poultry science. This paper reviews current empirical systems for predicting nutrient requirements for egg production and discusses the advantages of incorporating mechanistic and dynamic elements.

Keywords::

• Egg production
• energy requirements
• models
• predictions
• protein requirements