Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Challenges Associated with the Application
of Poultry Models: The Case of Turkeys
V. Rivera-Torres*
Nutreco Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract
Although several animal models have been developed so far, there are very few that are in use for either
research or commercial applications. In poultry, the challenge of model application may be greater
than for other species because decision making must be quick and low-risk given the short production
cycle of the birds. However, poultry growth models are an important opportunity for both research and
commercial applications as they represent a chance to better understand the growth response of birds
and to better determine their requirements depending on the growing conditions. Given the limited
volume of turkey meat production relative to broiler production, there is a great opportunity to apply
turkey models in the industry and in research. This chapter explains the challenges that may be faced
when developing and applying models, and proposes a methodology to ensure the successful applica-
tion of these models using the turkey as an example.
Introduction
(e.g. weight gain, feed intake). These models
may be a partial substitute for live animal
research trials and therefore help to reduce
the timeline between investigation and so-
lution application.
In spite of the high added value of ap-
plying turkey growth models in research or
in industry, scientists and users still face
several challenges that limit model develop-
ment and application. Along with the small
tonnage relative to the broiler industry, the
longer time to market and high cost of tur-
key research studies result in a paucity of
turkey data and therefore in a lack of know-
ledge of the growth dynamics and definition
of nutrient requirements that are critical in-
puts to growth models. Also, sexual and
Growth models are strategic tools used in
both research and industry to adapt nutri-
ent recommendations to turkey perform-
ance objectives and decide feeding strat-
egies depending on feed production costs.
Mechanistic models are particularly
adapted to allow understanding of the
interactions and underlying processes of
growth (e.g. weight gain composition, effi-
ciency of energy and nutrient utilization).
Mechanistic models consist of mathemat-
ical equations defined by inputs (e.g. dietary
energy level, genetic potential) and vari-
ables (e.g. energy requirements, body com-
position) that interact to generate outputs
