The usage of data mining methods in animal science

In this thesis, the usage of data mining methods, namely Classification and Regression Tree, Artificial Neural Network and k-Means Clustering in animal science were studied. These methods can be used both for investigation of relations between variables, prediction and clustering. First, detailed information about the theoretical basis of the methods was provided. Second, the methods were applied. The classification tree method was applied to the data which were obtained from Turkish Saanen Goats, while the other methods were applied to data obtained from Ross 308 line broiler chickens. Regression Tree method was used to investigate the relations between the variables and for prediction of the slaughter weight (CA6) of broiler chickens, and the other methods were used for classification and to determine the variables which had significant effects on the response variables. The methods studied in this thesis may be utilized effectively in animal science research.