Modeling complex systems in animal science: A pedagogical framework for new researchers

Mathematical modeling is a systematic process that involves identifying key variables and understanding how they interact. This review provides a comprehensive pedagogical framework for new researchers in animal science modeling, addressing the critical gap between general modeling theory and domain-specific applications. While modeling typically begins with conceptualization using visual aids such as causal loop diagrams, stock and flow diagrams, mind maps, and flowcharts to organize relationships among variables, there is a notable lack of resources that effectively bridge theoretical [...]