A modified gompertz-function used for description of postnatal growth of barrows

Abstract

Pork has a high importance within alimentation in Germany. For the economic production of pork many factors play a role. Among other things, it is important that the pigs show preferably same growth processes. Nevertheless, one knows that the growth processes of pigs can be very different. Pigs with the same live weight are put together at the beginning of fattening, but, nevertheless, different weights are to be ascertained at the end of fattening. For the present study a mathematical growth function should be used. The aim is to interpret the different growth courses of pigs better. The study was executed in a bamstable with barrows. In the present study must be separated between results which were ascertained with a comparison by animal groups (I) on the one hand and a comparison of single animals (II), on the other hand. (1) Groups of barrows with high end weight have small growth intensity. Goups of barrows with small end weight show high growth intensity. Live weight curves of a barrow group with small end weight display a explicit curvature. By contrast a barrow group with high end weight and small growth intensity show a slreched shape of curve. (H) Is the end weight of two barrows the same there are various growth intensities. At the same growth intensity various end weights appear. The application of the growth function can be recommended for breeding, for the verification and coordination of dates during the period of husbandry as well as feeding. The statements which are mentioned above should be analyzed in further research in order to enhance the efficiency of mathematical auxiliary means in meat production.