147906 20260217205538.0 doi 10.3390/ani14233431 sideral 141423 ART-2024-141423 eng Sánchez-Esquiliche, Fernando Deciphering Seasonal Patterns in Animal Feeding: A Mechanistic Approach to Analyzing the Restricted Growth of Iberian Pigs 2024 Access copy available to the general public Unrestricted The growth of animals is influenced by various factors including genetics, nutrition, and environmental conditions. This study focuses on understanding the traditional growth phases of Iberian pigs raised in semi-free-range environments prior to the finishing period within the Mediterranean forest. Using a comprehensive dataset of 5329 pigs, we evaluated the abilities of several mathematical models to predict growth patterns during the early growing and pre-finishing phases. The Gompertz model demonstrated the best fit for the age–weight relationship, indicating its effectiveness in characterizing growth dynamics in these animals. A novel compartmental mathematical model was developed, which integrates age-based estimations for certain body components (protein, water, and ash) with linear body weight predictions for fat. Our findings indicate that this mechanistic model serves as an effective tool for understanding and optimizing management strategies and enhancing growth predictions in traditional pig breeds. info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MCIU-CDTI/IDI-202205289 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess by https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.es 2.7 2024 VETERINARY SCIENCES 21 / 170 = 0.124 2024 Q1 T1 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE 15 / 86 = 0.174 2024 Q1 T1 0.733 2024 Veterinary (miscellaneous) 2024 Q1 Animal Science and Zoology 2024 Q1 5.2 2024 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Ferreira, Chelo Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0002-3698-6719 Nieto, Rosa Ramírez, Luisa Matos, Gema Muniesa, Ana Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0003-3074-5778 2005 595 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Matemática Aplicada Área Matemática Aplicada 1009 773 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Patología Animal Área Sanidad Animal 14, 23 (2024), 3431 [14 pp.] Animals (Basel) Animals 2076-2615 2905033 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/147906/files/texto_completo.pdf Versión publicada 2519861 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/147906/files/texto_completo.jpg?subformat=icon icon Versión publicada oai:zaguan.unizar.es:147906 articulos driver 2026-02-17-20:35:17 ARTICLE