Interpretive Summary: ASAS-NANP SYMPOSIUM: Mathematical Modeling in Animal Nutrition: Training the Future Generation in Data and Predictive Analytics for Sustainable Development. A Summary of the 2023 Symposium

By: Luis O Tedeschi, Hector M Menendez, III

INTRODUCTION

Mathematical modeling and data analytics are two critical components for achieving sustainability in livestock production. While scientific knowledge remains the most crucial step in model-building (Tedeschi, 2023), educating and training students and researchers in modeling techniques are essential first steps to developing the necessary discipline and skills for successful mathematical model development (Ellis et al., 2020; Tedeschi, 2019). Due to limited opportunities for students and researchers to understand the underlying principles of mathematical modeling, the Modeling Committee of the National Animal Nutrition Program (NANP; https://animalnutrition.org) was tasked with enhancing modeling skills for future generations in animal science programs by providing training venues for quantitative and qualitative modeling approaches to data and predictive analytics.

Over the past seven years (2018 to 2024), these workshops have consistently demonstrated their significant value and impact on the field. Their success is evidenced by a steady attendance of 60 to 100 participants annually, drawing a diverse audience of graduate students, faculty, and industry professionals—a clear indication of the sustained demand for advanced training in mathematical modeling within the animal nutrition community. Surveys conducted across four symposia (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023) highlighted the broad diversity and depth of modeling knowledge among participants from academia, industry, and government sectors. These surveys have consistently revealed high satisfaction rates, with many attendees indicating they would recommend the workshops to colleagues. Additionally, participants expressed a strong interest in expanding their knowledge of various modeling techniques. The scholarly impact of these symposia is further demonstrated by the peer-reviewed publications they’ve generated, which have been cited more than 250 times, indicating their substantial contribution as valuable resources for colleagues in their research efforts.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.