Optimal slaughter pig marketing

The problem of optimal marketing of slaughter pigs has been examined by a wide range of authors (e.g. Rasmussen, 1973; Wendt, 1979; Jolly et al., 1980; Chavas et al., 1985; Sundermeier et al., 1987; Giesen et al., 1988; Broekmans, 1992; Jørgensen, 1993; Boland et al., 1993; de Lange & Schreurs, 1995 (based on the model of Black et al., 1986)). Many different approaches have been taken, but in general most tend not to: B clearly define the problem of marketing management and to separate and handle different aspects of the problem. B discuss and handle the (in most situations) strong dependence between the (internal) supply of weaners (from the farrowing operation) and the finishing operation. B handle the stochastic variance and uncertainty of biological processes.