Modeling of Growth in Turkeys by Nonlinear Regression Models

Nonlinear regression models are commonly used in many areas, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. In these models, the solution of normal equations is more difficult than normal equations of linear regression models. Iterative algorithms are used to solve these equations. It is highly important to choose an appropriate initial value while using these algorithms. The values obtained during the study or from previous studies can be used as an initial value. With an inappropriately chosen initial value, the number of iterations will increase, and convergence may also not occur. In this study, the nonlinear Gompertz, Richards, and Weibull models of turkey growth were considered by taking the data on female turkey weight, and it was investigated which of these models was the most appropriate model for turkey growth using the R program