ISHS Acta Horticulturae 476: International Symposium on Applications of Modelling as InnovativeTechnique in the Agri-Food Chain. MODEL-IT
EXPERIENCES WITH FEEDMAN, A DECISION SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS IN SOUTH EASTERN QUEENSLAND. |
| Author: | K.G. Rickert |
| Keywords: | Modelling, beef cattle, feeding strategies |
| Abstract:
This paper describes the philosophy, specifications and development procedures for a decision support system (DSS) that evaluates feeding strategies for beef farmers in northern Australia. It was sponsored by an industry based R&D authority to assist with the application of results from past research. The role of the package, potential users and its specifications were stipulated during initial planning. Thereafter development progressed through four stages: (i) development of a spreadsheet version (Prototype 1) to define structure and algorithms; (ii) development of Prototype 2 through evaluation and feedback from potential users (interactive prototyping); (iii) validation and evaluation to calibrate Prototype 2 against research results; and (iv) commercialisation to release the package to industry. Since its release the package has not been widely used in industry. Reasons for the low adoption rate are discussed along with difficulties in the step-wise development process. | |
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