The nutritive value of feeds for ruminants has been accessed by mathematical modeling related to the dynamics of digestion and passage in the rumen. Previous modeling developments (Ellis et al., 1994; France et al., 1998; Mertens 1993) have been parameterized to be used in the interpretation of in situ and in vitro kinetic studies with the main objective of estimating parameters related to the microbial digestion of the feed retained in the rumen.
Mechanistic models derived through compartmental analysis yield deterministic solutions that can be used for practical applications as well as theoretical development. Models designed to describe degradation profiles have been evaluated for quality of fit and validity of assumptions (Van Milgen and Baumont, 1995; Ellis et al., 2005). These particular models were designed in accordance to a general scheme in which the ingested feed is forced to exit the rumen but some is digested while retained in the rumen. The degree of complexity whereby digestion and passage phenomena are integrated varies among different approaches.
Most mathematical models that simulate the dynamics of fiber degradation and passage assume the digesta fiber is part of a single pool. The ruminal fiber pool is heterogeneous for ruminants consuming enough fiber that promotes the natural stratification of the digesta. The GnG1 model is an alternative model that was developed and evaluated to accommodate the digesta stratification. The GnG1 model can be used either under steady-state or dynamic conditions by treating the fiber mass in the rumen as a sequential of two pools of fibrous particles (Vieira et al., 2007a,b,c).
The GnG1 model was developed based on theoretical concepts and probability to generalize the rumen processes of fiber digestion. It can be used to interpret fiber degradation and passage profiles. The GnG1 model was evaluated for quality of fit using in vitro fiber degradation profiles and in vivo fiber passage profiles. The integration of digestion and passage is based on the concept that fibrous digesta in the rumen is heterogeneous (Vieira et al., 2007a,b,c).
GnG1 Model fitting for degradation profile |
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In order to execute GnG1 Models, you have to install the following packages: XML and chron. Even though GnG1 Models will try to install them automatically, you may install them manually. Briefly, after you have installed R, open R, click on menu packages, and then install packages. Select the provider and then select the package one at a time. You have to have internet connection active to download the packages. There is a Visual Basic Script (Install R Packages.VBS) in the GnG1 Models folder that performs the installation of these packages automatically. |
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The current version of the GnG1 Models is 2.9.8656.18073
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What is new in GnG1 Models versions later than 2.0 ? |
Previous versions can be downloaded from here.
- The available script files for GnG1 (unzip the zip file and copy the .ZZZ files to the My Documents\TAMU\GnG1\Scripts folder) are:
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A tutorial on how to install the GnG1 Models is available at the Media web page. |
The GnG1 Models will expires after 5 uses if not registered by the end of the grace period. You can register your copy by submitting the registration number in the Purchase page. Registration codes will not be given out until the cost of registering your copy is paid in full.
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Dr. Luis O. Tedeschi |
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Dr. Ricardo A. M. Vieira |
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Vieira, R. A. M., L. O. Tedeschi, and A. Cannas. 2007a. A generalized model for describing fiber dynamics in the ruminant gastrointestinal tract. 1. The heterogeneity of the pool of fiber particles in the ruminoreticulum. 2007 Beef Cattle Report in Texas. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 97-102 p.
Vieira, R. A. M., L. O. Tedeschi, and A. Cannas. 2007b. A generalized model for describing fiber dynamics in the ruminant gastrointestinal tract. 2. Accounting for heterogeneous pools in the ruminoreticulum. 2007 Beef Cattle Report in Texas. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 103-110 p.
Vieira, R. A. M., L. O. Tedeschi, and A. Cannas. 2007c. A generalized model for describing fiber dynamics in the ruminant gastrointestinal tract. 3. Estimating digestion-related kinetic parameters. 2007 Beef Cattle Report in Texas. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 111-120 p.
Additional references are listed in the Publications web page.
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