Jihao You（游济豪）

Postdoctoral Fellow · University of Guelph

Machine Learning · ODE-based Mechanistic Modelling · Statistical Modelling · Applied AI Agents

About Me

My work sits at the intersection of mechanistic modelling, machine learning, statistical modelling, and LLM-based agentic frameworks. I work with large, heterogeneous biological and production datasets and develop quantitative approaches to address complex challenges in animal production and feed manufacturing. My research includes predictive machine learning pipelines, dynamic ODE-based mechanistic models, interpretable statistical frameworks, and applied AI agents, with the goal of turning biological data into actionable insights that improve production efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making.

Data Integration Feature Engineering Data Imputation Anomaly Detection Machine Learning ODE-based Mechanistic Modelling Mixed-Effects Models Meta-Analysis Parameter Estimation Applied Agentic AI Python SAS Julia R

Selected Projects

Dynamic Mechanistic Model of Turkey Growth and Metabolism

Developing a compartmental ODE-based mechanistic model to simulate growth and metabolic processes, including protein and fat turnover, in modern commercial turkey genetic lines. Collaboration with Hendrix Genetics. Manuscript in preparation.

Methods: ODE-based Mechanistic Modelling Parameter Estimation Sensitivity Analysis Julia


Pelleted Feed Quality Prediction (Project 1.0 & Project 2.0)

Developed machine learning and statistical models to predict Pellet Durability Index (PDI). Integrated nutrition factors, manufacturing parameters, and environmental variables to built robust prediction systems to support real-time decision-making at the mill level. Collaborated with Trouw Nutrition Canada, Molesworth Feed Supply, MasterFeeds, and Jones Feed Mills.

Methods: Data Integration Machine Learning Mixed-Effects Models Regression Feature Engineering Python SAS


Machine Learning for Precision-Fed Broiler Breeders

Applied machine learning to large-scale data collected from broiler breeders fed by a precision feeding system, with applications including the prediction of egg-laying events and the detection and cleaning of anomalous body-weight records.

Methods: Machine Learning Classification Python

First-Author Publications

1. Impact Range Assessment (IRA): An Interpretable Sensitivity Measure for Regression Modelling
You, J., Tulpan, D., Diao, J., & Ellis, J. L. (2026). arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.05239.
Methods: Explainable AI · Machine Learning · Sensitivity Analysis · Model Interpretability · Regression · Python
→ View Preprint
2. Learning to Predict Pellet Quality: A Machine Learning and Feature Engineering Approach
You, J., Tulpan, D., Krziyzek, C., & Ellis, J. L. (2026). Journal of Animal Science, skag079.
Methods: Machine Learning · Regression · Feature Engineering · SHAP · Python
→ View Paper
3. Evaluating Variables Affecting Pellet Durability Index (PDI) in Pelleted Corn-Soy-Based Feeds for Swine and Poultry: A Meta-Analysis
You, J., Hall, K., Civiero, J., Malpass, M. C., Tulpan, D., & Ellis, J. L. (2025). Animal Feed Science and Technology, 116566.
Methods: Random-effects meta-analysis · Automated model selection pipeline · Mixed-effects models · SAS (PROC MIXED)
→ View Paper
4. Prediction of Pellet Durability Index (PDI) in a Commercial Feed Mill Using Multiple Linear Regression with Variable Selection and Dimensionality Reduction
You, J., Tulpan, D., Krziyzek, C., & Ellis, J. L. (2025). Journal of Animal Science, skaf021.
Methods: Multiple Linear Regression · Variable Selection · PCA · PLSR · SAS
→ View Paper
5. Review: Recent Advances and Future Technologies in Poultry Feed Manufacturing
You, J., Ellis, J. L., Tulpan, D., & Malpass, M. C. (2024). World's Poultry Science Journal, 1–13.
Methods: Systematic review
→ View Paper
6. Comparison of Imputation Methods for Missing Production Data of Dairy Cattle
You, J., Ellis, J. L., Adams, S., Sahar, M., Jacobs, M., & Tulpan, D. (2023). Animal, 17, 100921.
Methods: Data imputation · Machine learning · MissForest · Python
→ View Paper
7. Using Machine Learning Regression Models to Predict the Pellet Quality of Pelleted Feeds
You, J., Tulpan, D., Malpass, M. C., & Ellis, J. L. (2022). Animal Feed Science and Technology, 293, 115443.
Methods: Machine learning · Regression · Feature importance · SVR · Python
→ View Paper
8. Using an Artificial Neural Network to Predict the Probability of Oviposition Events of Precision-Fed Broiler Breeder Hens
You, J., Lou, E., Afrouziyeh, M., Zukiwsky, N. M., & Zuidhof, M. J. (2021). Poultry Science, 100(8), 101187.
Methods: Artificial Neural Network · Binary classification · Probability · Keras (TensorFlow) · Python
→ View Paper
9. A Supervised Machine Learning Method to Detect Anomalous Real-Time Broiler Breeder Body Weight Data Recorded by a Precision Feeding System
You, J., Lou, E., Afrouziyeh, M., Zukiwsky, N. M., & Zuidhof, M. J. (2021). Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 185, 106171.
Methods: Anomaly detection · Supervised learning · Python
→ View Paper
10. Application of Random Forest Classification to Predict Daily Oviposition Events in Broiler Breeders Fed by Precision Feeding System
You, J., van der Klein, S. A., Lou, E., & Zuidhof, M. J. (2020). Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 175, 105526.
Methods: Random Forest · Binary classification · Python
→ View Paper

Research Software & Tools

1. irapy

A Python library for implementing single-execution Impact Range Assessment (IRA) and repeated IRA analyses

Explainable AI Machine Learning Sensitivity Analysis Model Interpretability Regression Python

→ GitHub Repository

2. PDI Prediction Web Tools

Interactive web application interfaces for predicting Pellet Durability Index (PDI) in commercial feed mills, built on machine learning and statistical models

Model Deployment Feed Manufacturing Pellet Quality Web App Python

→ Open Tool

3. PDI Agent

A Large Language Model (LLM)-based framework for automated maintenance of predictive models in commercial feed mills, integrating a rule-based pipeline with an LLM agent

Large Language Model (LLM) Applied Agentic AI Model Updating Model Deployment Feed Manufacturing Pellet Quality Python

Contact

🏫 University Profile: University of Guelph — Department of Animal Biosciences — Jihao You

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jihao-y-1128b7193

📧 Email: jyou03@uoguelph.ca