Mathematical Models for Energy Simulation in Livestock Systems: A State of the Art
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Abstract
Bovine production systems represent one of the most significant productive activities in Latin America due to their contribution to food security and their role in the rural peasant economy. However, their progressive development in recent years has raised concerns regarding environmental, economic, and social sustainability-factors that have not evolved favorably alongside such growth. In this context, analyzing energy flows and the adaptation of natural resources within bovine production systems becomes a critical need to advance toward more efficient and sustainable models. This article presents a systematic review of the scientific literature on the application of mathematical, energetic, and emergy-based models in bovine production systems. It explores classical approaches to animal growth, multivariate simulation tools and software, and emergy analysis methods using indicators such as EYR (Emergy Yield Ratio), ELR (Environmental Loading Ratio), and ESI (Emergy Sustainability Index). Additionally, it examines notable case studies from Latin America and Europe, highlighting methodological strengths, limitations, and opportunities for integration. As a result, five strategic lines are proposed for the development of context-specific hybrid modeling frameworks.
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