Optimal Harvesting in Matrix Population Models

Abstract

The use of matrix models in population mathematics has drawn much interest in recent times. The growth, survival and harvesting of lower species of animals have been modelled using the algebraic theory of matrices. In this project we develop a matrix model for a harvesting policy or method which maximises the harvest of a population without altering its age—structure. The model thus developed is applied in harvesting a poultry population with the objective of maximising the egg production (or a function of it)