Centre for Nutrition Modelling

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, pigs, poultry, fish, equines and pets. Work is usually collaborative. 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.