Net Production Of Consumers (N)

Question 1

What is the equation to calculate the net production of consumers?

Answer 1

N = I - ( F + R )

I = chemical energy in ingested food
F = chemical energy lost to the environment in faeces and urine
R = heat energy lost in respiration

Question 2

How can a maximised net production of consumers be achieved?

Answer 2

1. Feeding concentrated food so that the food is more digestible
   —> less energy is lost in faeces (F)
2. Keeping animals in heated barns and/or restricting movement
   —> reducing energy lost in respiration (R)
3. Selective breeding for rapid growth/ desirable characteristics

Question 3

How can a maximised net production of consumers be achieved?

Answer 3

1. Feeding concentrated food so that the food is more digestible
   —> less energy is lost in faeces (F)
2. Keeping animals in heated barns and/or restricting movement
   —> reducing energy lost in respiration (R)
3. Selective breeding for rapid growth/ desirable characteristics