LiGAPS-Beef 2018

LiGAPS-Beef is a mechanistic model to assess potential and feed-limited beef production in different beef production systems across the world. The model is one of the first using concepts of production ecology to simulate livestock production. LiGAPS-Beef consists of a thermoregulation sub-model, a feed intake and digestion sub-model, and an energy and protein utilization sub-model. Energy and protein flows are included. Livestock production can be assessed for individual animals and herds. LiGAPS-Beef simulates cattle growth based on defining growth factors (genotype or breed and climate) and limiting growth factors (feed quality and feed quantity). The model can be used to assess yield gaps in beef production systems, and to explore improvement options for yield gap mitigation