A theory of animal weight response to controlled feeding

摘要: The theory is based on a linear inhomogeneous first order differential equation (DE) with two constant coefficients and food intake as the driving function. specify way animal divides its between growth rate maintenance. Taylor & Young had designed executed an experiment in which five groups of Ayrshire twin calves were constrained to feeding for 108 weeks different but simple functions. Three functions slopes (feeding accelerations) sine waves (one being π radians out phase other) linearly increasing amplitudes. In each case DE was used calculate expected response compared actual response. responses comparable local differences interpretable variations time, i.e. possible time metabolic status animals within twins. assumptions are re-appraised. Assuming be polynomial gave some insight into general trends coefficients. relation ad libitum controlled discussed.