DETERMINATION OF GROWTH CURVES OF FEMALE HOLSTEIN CALVES USING FIVE NON-LINEAR MODELS

In this study five different non-linear models for estimating the growth curves of Holstein calves (Brody (B), Gompertz (G), Logistic (L), Richards (R) and von Bertalanffy (V)) were compared. All models estimated birth weights of the calves to be low. L model estimated weaning weight to be high and a difference of -1.38 kg was found between the actual live weight and the live weight estimated with this model. The closest estimations to the actual values of the post-weaning period were produced by G, L and R models. However, the most realistic estimations for 168 days of age were obtained from L, R and V models. At the end of the study it was concluded that the L model can be exclusively used for estimating the growth curves and live weights of the calves in their early periods of lives, and for post-weaning period also G and R models can be used. It was determined that for 168 days of age and older the use of L, R and B models will be convenient.