The growth and carcass performance of sheep reared under integration in the
mature oil palm plantation and feedlot system were studied using a systems
approach. Simulation models of the growth and carcass of the Dorset x Siamese
Long Tail (DSLT) and Dorset x Malin (DMalin) sheep were described.
To construct simulation models to evaluate a production system, a series of
studies were carried out. Firstly, the dry matter intake, energy intake and energy
requirements of sheep were determined. Secondly, the live weight changes, carcass,
muscle, fat and bone weight changes were measured. Thirdly, the models were
constructed to describe the growth and carcass performance of sheep under the two
production systems. Validations of the simulation models were done by comparing
the simulated data with the actual data of live weight, carcass and its tissue weight
