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Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The World Wide Web of the Internet was chosen as a means of communicating about computer software for simulation modeling, developed to support the design of pork production systems, with an audience of potential users. This information is presented at http://psru.marc.usda.gov/ as several screens of information text plus some attention-getting graphics. In addition, abstracts of past publications may be viewed with an opportunit to order reprints or to download electronic reprints. Finally, following a collaboration agreement, Beta test versions of two spreadsheet programs, PIGLET and BARROWS may be downloaded from the server to the collaborator's computer. PIGLET is an acronym for Preliminary Investigation of Genetic, Logistic and Environmental Targets and is a growth simulation model in spreadsheet form. BARROWS stands for Build Appropriate Rations Required for Winning Simulations and does nonlinear diet optimization in spreadsheet form subject to constraints from PIGLET. Together these two computer programs facilitate the synchronization of feeding programs to genetic differences in growth performance. Slideshows and instructional material are also downloadable. There has been considerable viewing from educational and government institutions with limited viewing by industry personnel. Downloading is relatively fast for direct Internet connections but slower for access through telephone services and modems. Statistics on usage are also collected. Several advantages, but some difficulties, have been realized for this form of disseminating scientific information. |
