Principles of Mathematical Modeling Applied to Animal

Abstract

One of the characteristics by which we can estimate the stage of development of a certain discipline is its degree of mathematization. Thus, Galileo Galilei said that „The great book of nature can be read only by the one who knows the language in which this book was written and this language is the mathematics”. We understand by this the extent of interdisciplinary use of the mathematical ideas and techniques. It is obvious, from the viewpoint of the respective discipline, that a high degree of mathematization does not show a high intrinsic value. Situations exist in which important mathematical developments did not lead to progress in a certain discipline, such as the endowment with sophisticated equipment’s did not result implicitly in notable results. Truly important is the effective contribution and not the sophistication or elegance of the used mathematical instrument. A relatively simple mathematical idea can have an unexpected effect if used with skill. On the other hand, very elegant mathematical considerations may be of no use for the actual problems of that particular discipline.

Keywords

• mathematical modelling
• animal science
• animal performance