title: Stochastic model of egg production in broiler breeders.
abstract: A stochastic model was developed to simulate the egg production of broiler breeders in response to changes in BW. The first step involved the construction of a diagram incorporating dependent and independent variables and their relationships to ovulation rate and egg production from 8 equations based on experimental results. The model was based on existing experimental data, and stochastic processes were invoked for 4 input parameters. Egg production curves and total egg production were simulated using inputs from a management manual, commercial trial data, and experimental results and were compared with actual rates of lay. The correlations between observed and predicted egg production were high (R(2) = 0.93 to 0.98). The assumptions made in developing the model were described and gaps in biological knowledge were identified.
authors.affiliation: Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), Midlothian, EH25 9PS, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Hocking
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D004531:Eggs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*; D010063:Ovum / Q000254:growth & development*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013269:Stochastic Processes