An integrated mechanistic model to evaluate the production efficiency in broiler

A mechanistic model was developed to integrate different factors contributing to broiler growth so that overall efficiency and profitability of broiler production system can be enhanced. First, it fits a non-linear growth model (Gompertz model) and predicts the body weight of a strain at any time point. In next step, it calculates the cost of feed and formulates the least cost balanced ration in a linear programming framework. It also takes into account information on feed conversion ratio, mortality and morbidity rate and other variable costs. Finally, the model integrates all these components to evaluate different broiler strains for their net economic returns and predicts the economic trend at any point of time. An application of the model using experimental data is presented. It is concluded that the present model would be a useful tool for poultry entrepreneurs to evaluate the overall production efficiency of their system and explore ‘what-if’ scenarios for altering different management choices.