Title: Non-Linear and Linear Function in Body Protein Growth
Abstract: The choice of growth function for a precise description of broiler growth is an important first step toward better prediction of broiler performance. Non-linear (Gompertz and logistic) and linear (polynomial) functions were fitted to the body protein weight data of broilers reared under three environmental temperature treatments. The non-linear Gompertz function showed an advantage over the non-linear logistic function and the linear polynomial function in fitting the protein weight data. Because high environmental temperatures significantly decrease mature protein weight and rate of protein gain, these growth functions reflect broilers' genetic potential most accurately at lower environmental temperatures.