Abstract

CHAVES GURGEL, Antonio Leandro et al. Aspects related to the importance of using predictive models in sheep production. Review. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2023, vol.14, n.1, pp.204-227.  Epub Mar 24, 2023. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v14i1.6126.

Sheep production systems face numerous challenges, which make decision-making a process fraught with risks and uncertainties. Modelling is a helpful tool in this respect, as it allows decision-makers to evaluate the behaviour of variables and their interrelationships, in addition to using previous or related information to predict results and simulate different scenarios. The advent of prediction models has made it possible to monitor the weight of an animal and determine the best time for its sale. Additionally, it allows producers to estimate the weights of the carcass and major marketable cuts before slaughter. All this information is directly associated with the profitability and success of the production activity. Therefore, in view of the different applications of mathematical models in production systems, this literature review examines concepts in modelling studies and the importance of using prediction models in meat sheep production. Furthermore, it addresses the practical application of modelling studies in predicting dry matter intake and carcass traits of meat sheep through correlated variables.

Keywords : Biometric measurements; Carcass; Intake prediction; Mathematical equations; Meat sheep farming; Tropical pasture.