Comparison of Growth Curve Using Some Nonlinear Models in Anatolian Buffaloe Calves

Abstract

The aim of the research was to detect the best model to explain the variation of live weight of Anatolian buffaloes using the nonlinear models. For this purpose, in the production period of 2011- 2012, live weight records of 640 heads Anatolian buffalo calves including 309 male and 331 female reared in different farm conditions of Tokat were used. To achieve the objective of the study, the non- linear models of Logistic, Richards, Gompertz and Brody function were used. To decide which one is the best model, the coefficient of determination (R-2) and the mean square error (MSE) statistics were used. The coefficient of determination (R-2) for Logistic, Brody, Gompertz and Richards models were found as 0.96, 0.92, 0.96 and 0.98 for female calves and 0.94, 0.93, 0.95 and 0.97 for male calves, respectively. And mean squared errors (MSE) were found as 682.32, 703.51, 548.66 and 498.63 for females and 637.48, 688.32, 598.12 and 528.74 for male Anatolian buffaloes, respectively. As a result, the best fitted model based on MSE and R-2 criterias was Richards model. Also, the growth and development traits such as sexual maturity age, breeding age, appropriate slaughter age in male and female Anatolian buffalo calves can be estimated using the Richards model.