Optimization of Regression Models for Predicting Weight in Small Ruminants Using Body Measurements

• Rafael Luz Araújo UFMA / UFPI / IFPI
• Lilian Rosalina Gomes Silva IFPI
• José Lindenberg Rocha Sarmento UFPI
• Romuere Rodrigues Veloso e Silva UFMA / IFPI

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/ercemapi.2024.243763

Abstract

Sheep and goat farming in Brazil is expanding but faces challenges in matching the productivity of cattle farming. On small farms, the absence of scales and the high costs associated with their implementation hinder precise zootechnical control. This study aimed to overcome these challenges by estimating the body weight of sheep and goats using regression techniques optimized with Grid Search. With morphological measurements as inputs, the SVR model showed robust results: MAE of 3.83, RMSE of 5.43, and R² of 85.0%, directly competing with leading literature works. These promising findings contribute to more efficient and sustainable livestock management, enhancing the sheep and goat farming sector in the country.

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