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The Centre for Nutrition Modelling (CNM) is concerned with animal nutrition and developing biomathematical models to obtain an improved quantitative appreciation of the scientific and management aspects of animal agriculture. Its programme covers the main areas of the Department’s nutrition research and deals with dairy and beef cattle, swine, poultry, fish, equine, and pet species. The approach is concerned with application, integration and understanding, and it covers the spectrum from basic, through strategic, to applied research.
A biomathematical model supported by suitable computer software provides an excellent vehicle for making recent research findings available in an easy to use form. Models may be used to investigate the benefits of new methods suggested by research, stimulating the adoption of improved production techniques. Integration of knowledge is an essential feature of complex biological systems. A model provides the only way of bringing together conceptually research results about parts of the system, giving a coherent view of whole system performance.
Globally, animal production systems are increasingly capturing large volumes of data automatically, utilizing sensors to monitor individual animals, using machine learing algorithms to interpret complex data, and relying on complex computational/modelling systems for decision-making and problem solving on farm. Academically, this expanded analytical toolbox has also allowed for increased understanding of complex biological systems. Students in CNM will develop computational and analytical skills relevant to animal biosciences, to complement their biological knowledge, in order to support this rapidly evolving sector.
Recent Publications…
- What the hay: predicting equine voluntary forage intake using a meta-analysis approach
E.M. Leishman a, M. Sahar a, S. Cieslar b, P. Darani b, J.L. Ellis a
- Growth performance, organs weight, intestinal histomorphology, and oocyst shedding in broiler chickens offered novel single strain Bacillus subtilis isolated from camel dung and challenged with Eimeria
Authors: Alison Gelinas, Sudhanshu Sudan, Rob Patterson, Julang Li, David Huyben, John R Barta, Elijah G Kiarie
- PSIII-11 Impacts of late gestational in utero heat stress on small intestine dynamics of neonatal dairy calves
Authors: Maverick C Guenther, Brittney D Davidson, Sena Field, Bethany Dado-Senn, Geoffrey Dahl, Michael A Steele, Lautaro Cangiano, Jimena Laporta
Featured – Research Highlight
Mad Barn’s equine nutrition modelling project at the University of Guelph is underway after being awarded several research grants to match our initial investment. Click here to read more!