Abstract

QUINTERO, Juan C et al. Mathematical models for lactation curves of dairy cattle. Rev Colom Cienc Pecua [online]. 2007, vol.20, n.2, pp.149-156. ISSN 0120-0690.

A lactation curve can be explained by a mathematical function of a biological process, that can be useful for prognosis of the total production starting from partial samples, planning of the herd with the help of a reliable prediction of production, and selection based in a previous knowledge of the relationships between the different parts of the curve, among others. Of key relevance is to find the mathematical function that better describes the curve of lactation of the animals in a particular environment of production. In order to describe the production of milk throughout lactation in dairy, diverse mathematical models have been proposed, among which are the models of Papajcsik and Bordero in 1988, Sikka in 1950, Brody in 1923, Brody in 1924, and Wood in 1967. In recent reports the modeling of experimental data has been suggested by using of mixed models, which has offered the possibility to analyze data with dependence structures, not balanced data and data with lack of normality, a methodology that is an important tool for evaluating lactation curve. According to the method of estimation of lactation curves by means of mathematical models, will be the validity of the results on lactation extension. In addition, they permit the prediction of total milk production from partial productions, a characteristic of great importance for genetic evaluation in dairy cattle. The objective of this paper is to review the mathematical models commonly used in livestock for interpretation of changes that occurs in cow milk production throughout lactation.

Keywords : biomodelation; bovine; lactation.

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