Pelvic and Testicular Biometry of Sahel Goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study was carried out to document the pelvic and testicular biometric characteristics of Sahel goats. Record of body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference were obtained from 400 male and 600 female Sahel goats. All the goats were approximately 1.5 years old and weighing 14 to 18 kg, with body condition score of 3 or 4 (scale of 1-5). The mean bodyweight of Sahel bucks was 15.12 ± 1.10 kg while that of Sahel does was 13.22 ± 1.12 kg, height at withers in bucks and does were 52.22 ± 1.20 cm, and 48.13 ± 1.23 cm respectively. The scrotal length and circumference in Sahel bucks were 11.39 ± 1.12 cm and 17.95 ± 1.21 cm respectively. The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was 55.13 ± 1.16 cm. There was significant (P<0.05) positive correlation between the body weight and body condition score in bucks (r=0.52) and in does (r=0.42). It was observed that there was weak but positive correlation between the body weight and height at withers (r=0.34), in bucks and in does (r=0.25; P <0.5). A low but significant positive correlation was found between the body weight and scrotal circumference r=0.28, (P<0.05) in bucks. There was a highsignificant positive correlation between the scrotal length and scrotal circumference r=0.66, (P <0.05). The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was also significantly positively correlated with body weight r=0.40, (P<0.05) and with the body condition score r= 0.33, (P<0.05). In conclusion, the body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference of Sahel goats in Maiduguri were successfully determined, these parameters studied might serve as a bases for determining the breeding soundness of Sahel goats.

Download Full-text

COMPARISONS OF SOME REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN RED SOKOTO AND KANO BROWN BREEDS OF BUCKS

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.51791/njap.v25i1.2127 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

I. S. BUTSWAT ◽

D. T. ZAHARADDEEN

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Reproductive Parameters ◽

Epididymal Sperm ◽

Scrotal Circumference ◽

Condition Score ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year

Some reproductive parameters of one-year-old 20 of each Red Sokoto and Kano Brown bucks were investigated. For the Red Sokoto and Kano Brown breeds of bucks, the mean (±S.E.) body weight, body condition score, scrotal circumference, testes weight, testes volume, epididymal length, epididymal volume, epididymal weight, testes sperm and epididymal sperm were 13.84± 0.54 vs 11.69 ± 0.35kg, 2.15±0.08 vs 2.10± 0.07, 19.83± 0.36 vs 18.27± 0.49cm, 36.41± 1.89 vs 29.70±1.98g, 35.63± 1.87 vs 29.48± 1.9ml, 10.67±0.20 vs 9.66± 0.25cm, 6.16± 0.23 vs 5.44±0.31ml 6.46± 0.24 vs 5.53± 0.34g, 0.24± 0.02 vs 0.16± 0.01 x 109 and 2.47± 0.16 vs 1.59± 0.16 x 109 respectively, and were significantly different between the breeds. The percentage epididymal segments mass and sperm were also depicted. There were highly significant correlations between many of the reproductive parameters in both breeds. The Red Sokoto bucks seem more adapted than the Kano Brown in terms of their reproductive make-up.

Download Full-text

PSX-2 Growth and lactating performance of ewes fed with different energy levels

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.921 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 467-468

Author(s):

Fernanda F Santos ◽

Luciano Brochine ◽

Vanderlei Benetel Junior ◽

Maria Laura R Coelho ◽

Augusto H Gameiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Milk Production ◽

Body Condition ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Energy Levels ◽

The Body ◽

Metabolizable Energy ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Condition Score

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.

Download Full-text

Weight estimation and hormone concentrations related to body condition in Icelandic and Warmblood horses: a field study

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica ◽

10.1186/s13028-019-0498-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 61 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rasmus Bovbjerg Jensen ◽

Lucca Louise Rockhold ◽

Anne-Helene Tauson

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

The Body ◽

Neck Length ◽

Morphometric Measurements ◽

Body Weights ◽

Condition Score ◽

Correct Determination

Abstract Background The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of different body weight formulas for estimating body weight of Icelandic and Warmblood horses, as well as to assess the associations between the variables cresty neck score, body condition score, and plasma concentrations of leptin, insulin and cortisol. A total of 81 adult (≥ 4 years of age) horses (43 Icelandic and 38 Warmblood horses) was included in this study. The following morphological measurements were collected by two examiners simultaneously; body weight; height at withers; neck length; 0.5 neck length; neck circumference; umbilical circumference, two different heart girths, as well as two different body length measurements. The horse’s body weights were measured on a weight scale, and cresty neck scores were rated along with body condition scores using both the 0 to 5 and the 1 to 9 systems. Results In general, the concordance correlation coefficient was high for most formulas, but the mean bias and slope bias deviations varied between formulas. Some simple formulas using only heart girth, or heart girth and length can be used to estimate body weight of Icelandic and Warmblood horses as good as more complex formulas using four morphometric measurements. Plasma concentrations of leptin and insulin were higher (P < 0.001) for the Icelandic than the Warmblood horses, probably reflecting higher body fat content as suggested by the differences in body condition score. Conclusions Body weight formulas only give an estimate of body weight and not a completely correct determination. Some simple and more complex formulas can be used for Icelandic horses even though they are not developed for this breed. Complex formulas using four morphometric measurements were accurate, but simple formulas using only heart girth, or heart girth and length can be used to estimate body weight and thereby be applied to weight tapes and used to estimate the body weight of both Icelandic and Warmblood horses.

Download Full-text

Genetic aspects of body weight, body condition score, scrotal circumference and reproductive performance in Italian Holstein young bulls

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200012126 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 2003 ◽

pp. 53-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S. Biffani ◽

A.B. Samoré ◽

F. Canavesi ◽

E. Olzi ◽

M. Cassandro

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Point Of View ◽

Progeny Testing ◽

Scrotal Circumference ◽

Good Physical Condition ◽

Condition Score ◽

Recessive Genes

Apart from all the issues regarding health and undesirable recessive genes, which are determining factors to identify bulls not suitable for AI, there are other aspects which can be considered. The principal aims of AI studs are the selection of the best animals from a genetic point of view and the production of semen in a very short time, in order to start progeny testing as soon as possible. In Italy progeny testing starts when 1200 straws for each young bull are available. This requirement implies that bulls should be in good physical condition. According to this, the genetic centre of the Italian Holstein Breeder Association (ANAFI) has been paying growing attention to animal welfare and fitness, recording routinely some biometrical indicators. Body weight (BW), scrotal circumference (SC), body condition score (BCS) are some examples of this policy and could be helpful and easy predictors of reproductive performance for a young progeny testing dairy bull. The objective of this report was to conduct a preliminary analysis on the genetic aspects of BW, BCS, SC, age at the 1st usable straw (AGE1) and age at the 1200th straw (AGE1200) in Italian Holstein young bulls.

Download Full-text

In vivo and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter in Ceará State

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2015v36n5p3369 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (5) ◽

pp. 3369

Author(s):

Ítalo Araújo Albuquerque ◽

Arturo Bernardo Selaive Villarroel ◽

Elzânia Sales Pereira ◽

Marcílio Costa Teixeira ◽

Elisabeth Mary Cunha da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

The Body ◽

Meat Production ◽

Mixed Breed ◽

Condition Score ◽

The Mean

This study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter, which originated from different regions of Ceará State, Brazil. Thirty-six (36) mixed-breed, uncastrated male animals (18 goats and 18 sheep), acquired from street markets, which were raised in an extensive production system from the regions of Quixadá, Sobral, and Tauá, were used in this experiment. Before slaughter, the animals were weighed, and body measurements were taken and the body condition score was assessed. Post-slaughter, the carcasses were weighed, morphometric measurements were obtained, and the commercial cuts were weighed and their yields were calculated. The mean in vivo body weight was 23.83 ± 3.76 kg for the goats and 25.22 ± 5.25 kg for the sheep; the body condition score was close to 2, and the mean age was 12 months, with no differences between the species. No differences were found between species and origin for the weights and yields of carcass or for chilling loss. The carcass conformation values were considered poor, and the fat cover was classified as too lean, with the goat carcasses considered superior to the sheep carcasses in these respects. The sheep had higher values for loin-eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and weight and proportion of leg than the goats. Mixed-breed goats and sheep reared in extensive systems in Ceará State and sold in street markets in the capital, irrespective of their origin, reach their slaughter weight at an advanced age and with a lean body condition, resulting in carcasses of a low quality, with a low muscle content and poor fat cover. In the extensive conditions of the state of Ceará, animals of the ovine species have a greater ability for meat production than caprine species.

Download Full-text

A pilot study of the body weight of pure-bred client-owned adult cats

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511001802 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 106 (S1) ◽

pp. S113-S115 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Ellen Kienzle ◽

Katja Moik

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Normal Weight ◽

The Body ◽

Same Sex ◽

Condition Score ◽

Males And Females ◽

The Mean ◽

Adult Cats ◽

Kg Medium

A total of 539 pure-bred and seventy-five cats without a pedigree were weighed and scored at cat shows or in veterinary surgeries. Data from normal-weight cats with a body condition score (BCS) of 5 (ideal) were only used. Breeds were grouped into five classes. For female cats, the mean weight for these groups were as follows: very light (2·8 kg); light (3·2 kg); medium (3·5 kg); large (4·0 kg); giant (4·9) kg. For male cats, the corresponding values were 3·6, 4·2, 4·3, 5·1 and 6·1 kg. Siamese/Oriental Shorthair were identified as a very light breed, the Norwegian Forest and the Siberian Cat as a large breed and the Maine Coon as a giant breed. Males and females of the same breed did not always belong to the same class. In some breeds, individuals of the same sex were found in two different classes. The percentage of intact overweight cats (BCS >5) was low (7 % of intact males, 3 % of intact females). Incidence of overweight in neutered cats was 50 % in males and 38 % in females. Among pedigreed cats, there were differences in the incidence of overweight in neutered cats: high in Norwegian Forest Cats (males 75 %, females 50 %) and low in Siamese/Oriental Shorthair Cats (males 25 %, females 1 %). Cats with a BCS of 6, 7 and 8 had on average 120, 154 and 214 % of the normal weight of their breed, respectively.

Download Full-text

Biometric Measures, Body Score and Body Mass Index Evaluation in Wild Coatis (Nasua Nasua) Living in the South-Central Region of São Paulo State, Brazil

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.90610 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Barbara Sardela Ferro ◽

Alícia Giolo Hippólito ◽

Maria Cristina Reis Castiglioni ◽

José Ivaldo De Siqueira Silva Junior ◽

Carlos Roberto Teixeira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Weight ◽

Body Mass ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Abdominal Circumference ◽

Fat Percentage ◽

Nasua Nasua ◽

Condition Score

Background: Coatis (Nasua nasua) have easy interaction with man, besides being sociable and curious animals. The proximity to urbanized areas encourages them to intake food from anthropogenic sources, and it can change their eating habits and make them prone to obesity. The body condition evaluates the animals’ energetic status and measures variations in their body fat reserves. There are direct-invasive methods and indirect methods that rely on size and body mass to evaluate the body condition, like body condition score and body mass index. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess different methods to determine the body condition of wild coatis (Nasua nasua) living in urban areas.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen (16) wild coatis (Nasua nasua), nine females and seven males, were captured at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ) of São Paulo State University, Botucatu, in pitfalls. The animals were anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam and subjected to biometric evaluation after physical exams proved normal. The following variables were analyzed: body weight, body condition score (BCS) based on the five-point scale for dogs, thoracic and abdominal circumference, height at the withers, spine length and distance from the patella to the calcaneus. Two body mass index (BMI) were calculated from these data, one was based on dogs (BMI1) and another one on cats (BMI2), as well as the body fat percentage (%BF). Results showed that 25% of the assessed coatis were overweight. Body weight, thoracic and abdominal circumference, height at the withers, spine length and distance from the patella to the calcaneus were significantly higher in males than in females and the other assessed parameters did not present differences between sexes. The correlation between fat percentage and body weight was significant, and that between fat percentage and BCS was not. There was closer correlation between BMI2 and body weight, and BCS, than between BMI1 and these two parameters.Discussion: Anthropogenic interactions could change the body condition of these animals and make them prone to obesity, since their body condition scores were altered. With regard to the nutritional body condition, although males were bigger than females, the measures did not show significant differences between them. Results of this parameter varied in different studies with coatis, some studies have shown that males have body mass 1/3 higher than that of females and others have not recorded any difference between sexes. Fat percentage estimated through the metrics used in cats is not a good method when it is applied alone in body condition evaluations. A study that has correlated body mass, body condition score, body fat estimates, body mass index and abdominal circumference recorded positive results between these two evaluation methods. Such finding corroborated with the present study, but it was differed from it in abdominal circumference, which did not correlate to the two body mass indices and to body fat percentage. Therefore, it is possible saying that there is biometric difference between male and female coatis. The body condition score adopted for dogs was efficient for coatis (Nasua nasua), as well as the body mass index used for dogs and cats – the one used for cats was even more efficient. The proximity wild coatis (Nasua nasua) have to humans could change the body condition of these animals and make them prone to obesity.

Download Full-text

Body Weight and Scrotal-Testicular Biometry in Three Indigenous Breeds of Bucks in Arid and Semiarid Agroecologies, Ethiopia

Journal of Veterinary Medicine ◽

10.1155/2017/5276106 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Amare Eshetu Gemeda ◽

Kefelegn Workalemahu

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Linear Combinations ◽

Scrotal Circumference ◽

Testicular Weight ◽

Breed Differences ◽

Condition Score ◽

Highly Correlated ◽

Arid And Semiarid

The body weight and testicular and epididymal parameters of Afar, Long-eared Somali (LES), and Woyto-Guji (WG) breeds of goat were investigated. A total of 405 randomly selected bucks of Afar (n=135), Long-eared Somali (n=135), and Woyto-Guji (n=135) were included in this study. The overall mean scrotal circumference (SC), testicular volume (TV), testicular length (TL), testicular weight (TW), body weight (BW), epididymal weight (EW), body condition score, and testicular diameter (TD) measurements in all bucks were 20.8±1.94 cm, 68.1±6.18, 4.96±0.79 cm, 70.0±5.66 g, 22.1±2.98 Kg, 9.09±1.88 g, 2.55±0.68, and 4.28±0.45 cm, respectively. Significant (p<0.05) breed differences in SC, TD, TL, TW, BW, EW, and TV were recorded. Long-eared Somali (LES) breed was heaviest and Afar breed was the lightest and Woyto-Guji (WG) had the average BW. In all breeds, the parameters were positively correlated. In Afar breed, the TW had a significant correlation with BW (r=0.90) and SC (r=0.65). In LES BW was highly correlated with TD (r=0.96) and TL (r=0.96). In WG, TW was significantly correlated with TD (r=0.94), EW (r=0.90), TL (r=0.89), and BW (r=0.82). In multiple regression analysis the linear combinations of BCS, SC, and BW significantly predicted TW, TL, TV, TD, and EW in all breeds. In conclusion, Long-eared Somali breed displayed greater BW and scrotal and testicular traits.

Download Full-text

Reproductive Diseases in Farmed Rabbit Does

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10101873 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 1873

Author(s):

Joan Maria Rosell ◽

Luis Fernando de la Fuente ◽

María Teresa Carbajo ◽

Xosé María Fernández

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Body Condition ◽

Fetal Death ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Condition Score ◽

The Mean ◽

The Individual ◽

A Prospective Study

In this study, we determined the occurrence of reproductive diseases in does on 1373 visited farms in Spain and Portugal, between 1994 and 2019. The retrospective information obtained was entered in a database classified as follows: apparent infertility (≤70% pregnancy rate), abortions (≥2% of serviced does), high fetal death risk at parturition (≥10%) or dystocia, amongst others. Infertility was the reason for 181 visits. The median of prevalence of apparent infertility in these cases was 35% (minimum to maximum: 25–90%) and the mean, 37.4%. We performed a prospective study to determine risk factors at the individual and farm level, with a second database corresponding to 2014–2019. We carried out pregnancy checks, assessed sanitary status and body condition, and recorded the age of 17,297 rebred lactating does on 142 farms. The median size of the farms was 800 does, and the examined cohorts, 350 does. Predisposing risk factors for infertility were observed: e.g., mastitis had an effect. During the 5-year study, we made a third database with the results from 190,508 does palpated by producers in a subset of 134 farms. In this case, the median of the prevalence of apparent infertility was 14.5% (minimum to maximum: 4.1–50%), which could be considered baseline occurrence when monitoring the theriogenology of rabbit doe farms. Reproductive rhythm was an enabling risk factor: does serviced ≤25 d postpartum were less fertile than at ≥32 d. We made a database with the body condition score (BCS) on a linear scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). The pregnancy rate (PR) of underweight and borderline does (4/9) was 73.1%. The PR of overweight and borderline does (6/9) was 82.6% and those classified with a mean BCS (5/9): PR = 79.3%. We may infer that the optimum BCS for reproduction is 6/9, rather than 5/9. Some changes in female rabbit health and husbandry to improve reproductive performance and welfare are highlighted.

Download Full-text

The relationship of body condition and chewing time with body weight, the level of plasma cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, leptin and energy metabolites in cows until reaching the lactation peak

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb202089010031 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 89 (1) ◽

pp. 31-38

Author(s):

Krzysztof Młynek ◽

Beata Głowińska

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Energy Homeostasis ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Energy Metabolites ◽

Condition Score ◽

Beta Hydroxybutyrate ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

This study examined the relationship of body condition and chewing time (CT) with body weight (BW), the level of cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), leptin and energy metabolites in cows until reaching the lactation peak. The results showed the greatest loss of BW between days 11 and 45 of lactation and a decrease in the body condition score (BCS) until day 75. Chewing time showed an increase from day 45 with the highest values after lactation peak. The CART and leptin concentrations demonstrate a reduction of both indices (P < 0.05) between days 11 and 75. The function of leptin as a factor positively correlating with BW and BCS was found. In the heaviest individuals and those with higher BCS, the blood leptin levels were higher. The results of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) indicate that cows with the lowest BCS had the most intensive energy transformation. This led to a higher BHBA concentration compared to the cows with high BCS (P < 0.05). The obtained results show that CART was most strongly negatively associated with CT (P < 0.05). For leptin, the tendency was the opposite and the correlation with CT was not significant. The results suggest that CT may be stronger regulated by CART, which has anorectic properties, than by appetite inhibiting leptin. Significant decrease of body condition during lactation is a great problem for dairy farmers. The explanation of the issue of the participation of CART and leptin in the regulation of body’s energy homeostasis may therefore be of importance for milk production.

Download Full-text