Determination of body weight in sheep using external body measurements
1997
Valdez, C.A. | Tupas, D.G.A. | Matias, J.B. (Philippines Univ. Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines). Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences)
External body parameters such as heart girth, midriff girth, flank girth, body length, height and body width were measured in 119 sheep of both sexes and various ages to determine the relationship of body measurements to the body weight of the animal. Prediction equations for body weight were then established based on the external parameters. Results of the study showed that heart girth was the best predicting parameter for body weight in most age groups and in both sexes. When two external parameters were considered, the best predicting equation consisted of heart girth and body length 2 (point of shoulder to the pin bone) regardless of the age and sex of the animal. Results of this study did not significantly differ (P0.05) from results derived using Ensminger formula for weight prediction of sheep. The formula derived for this study could be used to estimate the weight of sheep in the absence of accurate weighing facilities
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