Rumen variables evaluated through continuum mathematical functions

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate rumen pH and ammonia concentration in cattle through continuum mathematical functions by using the Fourier's trigonometric polynomial. Four simulated dataset, which represent feeding conditions of confined dairy cows and cattle supplemented at pasture were used. The models adjustments were performed by iterative procedures. The nutritional effects in the different simulated feeding situations were evaluated through integral calculus. The Fourier series has showed a good adjustment in describing the daily behavior of rumen pH and ammonia concentration. Variables obtained through numeric integration show a high discriminatory power, which leads to a fine tuning on the evaluation of diet effects on physical and chemical characteristics of rumen.