Comparison of non-linear models to describe the growth in the Andalusian turkey breed

Seven non-linear growth models were compared in the Andalusian turkey, an endangered native breed. To this aim, turkeys weekly weighted until they reached 35 weeks. The goodness-of-fit and flexibility criteria of Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Verhulst, Logistic, Gompertz, Richards, Sinusoidal evaluated to quantify their ability describe biological curve. Goodness-of-fit assessed comparing mean squared error (MSE) adjusted determination coefficient (Pseudo-R2), while Akaike (AIC) Bayesian information (BIC) explanatory predictive tested. Afterward, all considered a combined index determine most efficient model predict patterns. best-fitting for males was Logistic (MSE: 250,349.87; Pseudo-R2: 0.97) which also reported best properties (AIC: 18,949.25; BIC: 18,963.24), criteria, capacity females Richards 144,432.45; 0.95; AIC: 17,529.83; 17,549.02, respectively). Bertalanffy underestimated weight at early age stages, contrary Verhulst models. asymptotic higher than models, being 11,085.37 g 5,706.38 respectively. In conclusion, marked sexual dimorphism is evident, with reaching maturity earlier males. inflection point may enable relatively easier commercial standardisation turkey hens.HighlightsLogistic fitting males' females.Females reach rates maturity.Andalusian breed shows intense dimorphism.