Models of the Growth of Organisms under Nutrient Limiting Conditions

Abstract

Mathematical models of the growth of animals have been based on consideration of possible internal factors which regulate and limit metabolism so that the resultant growth equations contain only so-called genetic growth constants. In most practical situations, however, the growth of animals can be influenced by changing the relative proportions of essential nutrients in the diet. Two growth equations are described: (1) one which applies to the growth when the diet fed has a correct balance of essential nutrients and growth is limited only by the total intake of metabolizable energy; (2) the other, when the ratio of utilizable protein to energy in the diet is the factor deciding growth rate and maximum body size.