End-weight prediction in broiler growth

Abstract

1. Two different methods, categorised as input–output and single output models, were evaluated for slaughter weight prediction of broiler chickens. The input–output models included linear and non-linear recursive modelling with a time-varying model structure, whereas the output models consisted only of empirical growth equations and several growth curve fitting techniques.

2. The results suggested that a simple linear growth curve fitting method gives the greatest accuracy in a prediction horizon of 4 d or less. Error is minimised to an average of 0·14% when 4 d of past information is used to fit a line to predict the end weight one day ahead.