Simulation exercises for animal science MSc students: rumen digestion and pig growth

The objective of this chapter is to provide two complete teaching modules for MSc students of animal science (in Wageningen University, The Netherlands) with minimal background in modelling, but knowledge in animal nutrition at the BSc level. In working through the first module, students will develop a model simulating rumen digestion and passage dynamics and, during development, will become familiar with the concept of fractional passage and degradation rates. In the second module, students will develop a model simulating protein and fat accretion rates in growing pigs, dealing with the principles of nutrient partitioning in growing animals.