Comparison of Growth Curve Models for Ongole Grade Cattle

Abstract Growth curves are important for understanding the growth phase and specific characteristics of farm animals. This study evaluated growth curve models to predict the age at puberty and growth rate of Ongole Grade cattle. The study used the weights of cattle from birth to 3 years old in 2011 to 2019 obtained from the Beef Cattle Research Station. The data were analyzed using three non-linear growth curve models: von Bertalanffy, logistic, and Gompertz. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the growth equation for the respective models were 0.996, 0.981, and 0.992. The estimated age and body weight at puberty for each model were 6.43 months and 144.09 kg, 13.94 months and 164.082 kg, and 11.76 months and 169.571 kg, respectively. The Gompertz function best fit the growth rate and exhibited the smallest standard deviation.