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The relation between animal gain and stocking rate in grazing trials: an examination of published theoretical models

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

R. L. Sandland
Affiliation:
C.S.I.R.O., Division of Mathematics and Statistics, Cunningham Laboratory, Mill Road, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia, 4067
R. J. Jones
Affiliation:
C.S.I.R.O., Division of Tropical Agronomy, Cunningham Laboratory, Mill Road, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia, 4067

Summary

Jones & Sandland (1974) examined the validity of the linear model for gain per animal on stocking rate. This paper examines the alternative models of Conniffe, Browne & Walsh (1970, 1972) and a proposed extension of the model of Owen & Ridgman (1968). Discrepancies between these models and the linear model are studied in detail.

Under specified conditions these models are shown to be very close to the linear model. It is concluded, from the earlier work of Jones & Sandland (1974) and these results, that the empirically justified simple linear model has the advantage of being much easier to fit as well as embodying (approximately) the theoretical advantages of these conceptually superior models under a range of assumptions.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975

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References

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