Maximizing research results by using simulation in nutritional requirement study planning

Maximizing research results by using simulation in nutritional requirement study planning

• Nutritional Requirements:
  • The lowest level of a nutrient resulting in maximal performance
  • Experimentally determined with pens of birds
• The most common statistical tool used to determine the requirement is a multiple range test.
• Experimental design usually based on tradition and cost

Nutrition Response Determination Optimizer (NuRDO)

A workbook to determine the best arrangement of levels and replicates for estimating nutritional requirements

NuRDO simulates a series of experiments and calculates the nutritional ruquirement by two spline functions, a second order polynomial and a sigmoidal model. The broken line linear model depicts a linear response to increasing levels of the limiting nutrient, then a plateau with a slope of zero. The broken line quadratic model depicts a non-linear diminishing returns response to increasing levels of the limiting nutrient, then a plateau with a slope of zero. Experimental “results” from different combinations of nutrient levels and replicates per level can be calculated. The combination of levels & reps with the smallest standard error of the requirement should be the most efficient design for determining requirements

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