External Body Scores in Male Sakub Sheep Based on Different Physiological Age

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.

Noninvasive methods for measuring fat reserves in both captive and free-ranging animals are important for monitoring individual and population health, but chelonian anatomy and physiology present challenges to accurate measurements. Standard field-based methods for assessing body condition in Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) involve the qualitative body condition score, which relies on the apparent height of the temporalis muscle relative to the sagittal crest (in addition to other characteristics) and quantitative body condition indices that measure relative mass at size. However, it is unclear how these metrics relate to body fat reserves in this species. The aims of this study were to (1) describe the use of noninvasive computed tomography in measuring body fat volume of Mojave desert tortoises, (2) describe the location of fat reserves, (3) investigate relationships between fat reserves and body condition score and body condition index, and (4) explore whether relative temporalis muscle depth, measured via computed tomography, correlates with body condition score. Body condition scores were assessed for eight captive Mojave desert tortoises prior to euthanasia, and computed tomography was performed postmortem to quantify fat volume and measure temporalis muscle depth. At necropsy, the distribution of fat was documented. Fat volume calculated by computed tomography ranged from 2.83 to 145.38 cm3 (0.07-2.5% body volume). Neither qualitative body condition score nor quantitative body condition index was correlated with fat volume. Bladder content did not compromise body condition index. Body condition score was not correlated with relative temporalis muscle depth. Computed tomography is a noninvasive method for successfully identifying fat reserves and estimating total fat volume in Mojave desert tortoises. The lack of a relationship between computed tomography-determined metrics and commonly used body condition metrics indicates that computed tomography fills a critical gap in the health assessment tool kit for captive and free-ranging Mojave desert tortoises.

Body condition scoring (BCS) provides a readily available technique that can be used by both veterinary professionals and owners to assess the body condition of cats, and diagnose overweight or underweight conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate a five-point BCS system with half-point delineations using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Four evaluators (a veterinarian, veterinary technician, trained scorer and untrained scorer) assessed 133 neutered adult cats. For all scorers, BCS score was more strongly correlated with percent body fat than with body weight. Percent body fat increased by approximately 7% within each step increase in BCS. The veterinarian had the strongest correlation coefficient between BCS and percent fat (r = 0.80). Mean body fat in cats classified as being in ideal body condition was 12 and 19%, for 3.0 and 3.5 BCS, respectively. Within BCS category, male cats were significantly heavier in body weight than females within the same assigned BCS category. However, DXA-measured percent body fat did not differ significantly between male and female cats within BCS category, as assigned by the veterinarian (P >0.13). Conversely, when assessed by others, mean percent body fat within BCS category was lower in males than females for cats classified as being overweight (BCS >4.0). The results of this study show that using a BCS system that has been validated within a range of normal weight to moderately overweight cats can help to differentiate between lean cats and cats that may not be excessively overweight, but that still carry a higher proportion of body fat.

Relationship between ultrasound measurements of body fat reserves and body condition score in female donkeys

The body condition score (BCS) system is a subjective scoring method of evaluating the energy reserves of dairy animals to provide better understanding of biological relationships between body fat, milk production and reproduction. This method helps in adopting the optimum management practices to derive maximum production and maintain optimum health of the livestock. In this study, a new BCS system was developed for Murrah buffaloes. The skeletal check points were identified by studying the anatomical features and amount of fat reserves in slaughtered animals. The scores were assigned from 1 to 5 based on the amount of fat reserves in slaughtered animals. A score of 1 represents least and 5 represents most amount of fat. The skeletal check points identified were ordered based on the amount of carcass fat reserves and scores assigned to prepare a preliminary BCS chart on a 1 to 5 scale at 0.25 increments. The BCS chart was further modified by eliminating the skeletal check points at which the fat reserves were less evident on palpation in most of the buffaloes and a new BCS chart on a 1 to 5 scale at 0.5 increments examining eight skeletal check points was developed. The new BCS system developed was tested for precision in 10 buffaloes for each point of the 1-5 scale by ultrasonographic measurements of body fat reserves. Ultrasonographic measurements showed that as the BCS increased, the amount of fat reserves also increased (p < 0.01), indicating that the BCS adequately reflected the amount of actual fat reserves. BCS was significantly correlated (r = 0.860) with the carcass fat reserves as well as the ultrasonographic fat reserves (r = 0.854).

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between body weight and body condition score with changes in protein and fat reserves in goats during the negative energy balance. Twenty-four goats were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four different Body Condition Scores (BCS): 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, and 2.0. Five experienced evaluators assessed the BCS by palpating two measurements (lumbar and sternal region). The animals' weight was determined every seven days to check weight loss or gain. The goats were slaughtered to assess body fat and protein contents. The BCS did not affect (p>0.05) the goats' performance. The BCS showed a lower precision (R2 0.34) to estimate the protein contents of the noncarcass components compared to the carcass (R2 0.61). The R2 values were better for fat in the carcass, empty body, and non-carcass, displaying values of 0.77, 0.75, and 0.72, respectively, BCS proved to be a good predictor. Body weight proved to be a good predictor for estimating protein in the carcass (R2=0.88), empty body (R2=0.86), and non-carcass (R2=0.99). Therefore, BCS and body weight proved to be good estimators for the body fat reserves in goats at the beginning of lactation. Body weight proved to be more accurate than BCS for determining body protein. BCS and body weight are very important and quick tools to evaluate the nutritional plans implemented in the production system, contributing to increase the efficiency in milk production and the animals' body condition recovery after the negative energy balance.

Background and Aim:Obesity in dogs leads to several health problems, such as premature death, and contributes to other diseases. Recently, body fat percentage has been considered to represent the body condition of dogs, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is the most effective method for accurately measuring body fat in dogs. In Thailand, information on the body condition of dogs is limited, and there is no standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs. This study was designed to evaluate and analyze the body fat percentage in dogs through BIA using a handheld instrument. The results of this study can help enhance the quality of life and health of dogs and aid in setting a standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs.Materials and Methods:The body fat percentage of 340 Thai and mongrel dogs in East Thailand was measured in the standing position, and the body condition score (BCS) (range, 1–5), sex, sterilization status, age, type of diet, and lifestyle were recorded. A linear regression model was developed to compare the variables and the predicted body fat percentage, and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the factors for body fat increment.Results:The linear regression model used to estimate the percentage of body fat (y) for each BCS (x) was y = 0.84 + 8.36x (R2 = 0.7219; p < 0.0001); the average body fat percentage was 27.52% for all studied dogs; specifically, 24.83% for the Thai Bangkaew, 26.42% for the Thai Ridgeback, and 27.65% for mongrels. The median body fat percentage was significantly higher in female than in male dogs. We found that as age increases, body fat percentage also increases; this increasing trend begins at the age of 5 years. However, increasing the level of activity and decreasing meal frequency leads to an increase in body fat percentage in neutered male dogs.Conclusion:The average body fat percentage of dogs in East Thailand is 27.52% and this value is expected to increase when these dogs reach the age of 5 years. BIA is a valid and effective measurement tool for detecting the body fat percentage in dogs.

To develop morphometric equations for prediction of body composition and create a body fat index (BFI) to estimate body fat percentage in overweight and obese dogs. Prospective evaluation study. 83 overweight or obese dogs ≥ 1 year of age. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed on a 5-point scale, morphometric measurements were made, and visual and palpation-based assessments and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were performed. Equations for predicting lean body mass, fat mass, and body fat as a percentage of total body weight (ie, body fat percentage) on the basis of morphometric measurements were generated with best-fit statistical models. Visual and palpation-based descriptors were used to develop a BFI. Predicted values for body composition components were compared with DEXA-measured values. For the study population, the developed morphometric equations accounted for 98% of the variation in lean body mass and fat mass and 82% of the variation in body fat percentage. The proportion of dogs with predicted values within 10% of the DEXA values was 66 of 83 (80%) for lean body mass, 56 of 83 (68%) for fat mass, and 56 of 83 (67%) for body fat percentage. The BFI accurately predicted body fat percentage in 25 of 47 (53%) dogs, whereas the value predicted with BCS was accurate in 6 of 47 (13%) dogs. Morphometric measurements and the BFI appeared to be more accurate than the 5-point BCS method for estimation of body fat percentage in overweight and obese dogs. Further research is needed to assess the applicability of these findings to other populations of dogs.

To assess effects of deficiency of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) on body condition scores and lean and fat body masses of adult cats. 12 cats without LPL mutations and 23 cats that were heterozygous or homozygous carriers of the Gly412Arg LPL mutation. Lean and fat body masses were estimated by use of body condition scores and change in enrichment of serum after IV administration of deuterium oxide. Mass spectroscopy and infrared absorbance methods were used to determine deuterium enrichment. Fat body mass (mean +/- SD; 0.2 +/- 0.1 kg) and percentage body fat (6.2 +/- 1.4%) of homozygotes were significantly less than those of clinically normal cats and heterozygotes (0.7 +/- 0.1 kg, 18.2 +/- 1.6% and 0.5 +/- 0.1 kg, 15.6 +/- 1.7%, respectively). Homozygous offspring of homozygous dams had significantly less fat body mass (0.1 +/- 0.1 kg) and percentage body fat (2.1 +/- 1.0%) than homozygous offspring of heterozygous dams (0.3 +/- 0.1 kg and 9.2 +/- 1.7%, respectively). Lean body mass did not differ significantly among groups. For all groups, percentage body fat was significantly correlated with body condition score (r= 0.65), and body condition scores supported findings for fat body mass. Deficiency of LPL activity in cats diminishes stores of body fat. This is consistent with a low rate of de novo synthesis of fat. The effect of dam on body masses in mature LPL-deficient cats indicates nutrient programming of adipose formation during gestation or lactation.

Body condition scoring (BCS) is an indirect measure of the level of subcutaneous fat; however, by measuring the subcutaneous fat thicknesses (SFT), the precision of the degree of fatness assessment is improved. The aims were: 1) to develop an alternative body fat scoring index (BFSI) based on ultrasonographic measurements; 2) to assess the agreement between BCS and the new index applied to Andalusian horses; 3) to adjust the BCS cut-off values (if necessary) for overweight and obesity in this breed. One hundred and sixty-six Andalusian horses were included in this cross sectional study. On each horse, BCS, body fat percentage (BF%) and ultrasonography of SFT at localized deposits were evaluated. According to BFSI five possible body categories were established. Only one horse (0.6%) was classified as emaciated, 9.0% as thin, 74.7% as normal, 11.4% as overweight and 4.2% as obese. Despite higher BCS and SFT values were observed compared to other breeds, most of the horses evaluated presented a normal body condition under the new BFSI. BCS and BFSI were significantly associated (p&lt;0.001), however, the concordance was low (weighted Cohen’s kappa coefficient, 0.262 ± 0.071; p=0.004). Using BFSI, obese horses had significantly greater BF% than the rest of categories (p&lt;0.001). BCS showed a good diagnostic accuracy for detection overweight (AUC = 0.759 ± 0.055; p&lt;0.001) and obese (AUC = 0.878 ± 0.050; p=0.001) horses; redefining the cut-off values for overweight and obesity condition as 7.5/9 and 8.5/9 respectively in Andalusian horses.

Simple SummaryIn order to develop strategies to monitor and mitigate high incidences of hyperketonemia in dairy herds, the factors associated with the fluctuations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration during early lactation need to be assessed. Body condition score (BCS), as well as the change in BCS during the late dry period are elements that are highly related to the mobilization of body reserves, and the proper adaptation during the transition period of dairy cattle. Our objective was to describe the pattern of blood BHB concentration and the development of hyperketonemia during the first 14 days of lactation on the basis of both a single measurement of BCS (−21 d) and the change in BCS during the late dry period. Additionally, we aimed to characterize the association between changes in BCS and milk yield and milk composition in the first monthly test. Our results suggest that changes in BCS are associated with fluctuations in BHB concentration during early lactation. In addition, we observed that cows with a loss in BCS greater than 0.5 units during the late dry period have a higher risk of having elevated BHB concentrations and incidence of hyperketonemia than cows with no change in BCS in the late dry period. Moreover, these cows also experienced lower milk production at the first monthly milk test.Monitoring the body condition score (BCS) of dairy cows is a management strategy that can assist dairy producers in decision-making. The BCS and its variations reflect the level of body fat reserves and fat mobilization throughout the different stages of lactation. Cows that mobilize excessive amounts of fat reserves in response to the increased energy requirements of the transition period are more likely to have higher beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in blood, leading to a higher incidence of hyperketonemia postpartum. In this study, our main objective was to evaluate how both BCS (at 21 d prior to the expected calving date, −21 BCS) and change in BCS during the late dry period (−21 d to calving, ∆BCS) are associated with temporal patterns of blood BHB concentrations during the first two weeks of lactation. Our secondary objective was to characterize the relationship between the change in BCS in the late dry period, and milk yield and milk composition in the first milk test postpartum. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed BCS at 21 (±3) days before the expected calving date and within three days after calving. Blood BHB concentration was measured at days 3 (±1), 7 (±1), and 14 (±1) postpartum. Hyperketonemia (HYK) was defined as blood BHB ≥ 1.2 mmol/L. To evaluate how −21 BCS and ∆BCS during the late dry period were associated with BHB in early lactation, linear mixed-effects regression models with an unstructured covariate matrix were performed. The association between ∆BCS and incidence of postpartum HYK were determined using a multivariable log-binomial model. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between ∆BCS and milk yield and milk composition in the first monthly test-day. Covariates used for model adjustment include parity, season, and baseline BCS. We observed that cows with BCS ≥ 4.0 at 21 d before their expected calving date had the highest BHB concentration postpartum, but no evidence that BCS ≥ 4.0 at 21 d was associated with fluctuations of BHB over time. Cows that experienced a large BCS loss (larger than 0.5 units) during the late dry period had a 61% (95% CI: 1.04, 2.50) higher risk of developing HYK in early lactation and had higher BHB concentrations during early lactation compared with cows with no ∆BCS prepartum. These associations were observed independently of the BCS at −21 d prepartum (baseline). In addition, cows that lost more than 0.5 BCS unit in the late dry period produced 3.3 kg less milk (95% CI: −7.06, 0.45) at the first milk test compared to cows that had no ∆BCS during the late dry period. No evidence of an association between −21 BCS and ∆BCS in the late dry period and milk composition was observed in our study. These results suggest that dynamic measures of BCS during the late dry period, such as ∆BCS, are better at evaluating blood BHB patterns in early lactation than BCS measured at a single time point. Cows with larger BCS loss during the late dry period and with greater parity are more likely to have higher concentrations of blood BHB postpartum, with the highest concentrations reported at 7 d post-calving.

There is currently no suitable system available for the assessment of budgerigar body condition. A tool has been developed that uses an algorithmic decision tree of yes-no answers based on physical examination to objectively guide the assessor to a body condition score. The aim of this work was to evaluate the guide. Repeatability and reproducibility were measured by four assessors on three sequential days, using 38 budgerigars of mixed sex, age and weight. Data were analysed using a 3-factor anova, with Person and Bird as variable factors and occasion as a fixed factor. The association between body condition score and body fat was measured using three assessors and 63 dead budgerigars, which were chemically analysed for fat content after assessment. Data were statistically analysed to determine correlation using Spearman's Rank Coefficient. Occasion and person had no significant effect on body condition score (p = 0.988 and 0.347 respectively). Body condition score and percentage body fat were highly significantly correlated (R(2) = 0.768): percentage fat increased with increasing body condition score. The guide would appear to be a repeatable measure of body condition in budgerigars, suitable for use during physical examinations.

Dairy cows are known to mobilise body fat to achieve their genetic potential for milk production, which can have a detrimental impact on the health, fertility and survival of the cow. Better monitoring of cows with poor body condition (low or high body fat) will lead to improvements in production efficiencies and less wasted resources when producing milk from dairy cows. The aim of this study was to compare different methods for monitoring the body condition (body fat) of dairy cows. The methods used to measure body condition were: ultrasound scanner, manual observation, and a still digital image of the cow. For comparison, each measure was expressed as a body condition score (BCS) on a scale of extremely thin (1) to very fat (5) in quarter intervals. A total of 209 cows at various stages of lactation were assessed. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) were used to compare the accuracy of methods. The average BCS across cows was 2.10 for ultrasound, 2.76 for manual and 2.41 for digital methods. The study found that both manual (r = 0.790) and digital (r = 0.819) approaches for monitoring cow body condition were highly correlated with ultrasound BCS measurements. After adjusting correlation coefficients for prediction bias relative to a 45 line through the origin, the digital BCS had a higher CCC of 0.789 when compared to the ultrasound BCS than the manual BCS with a CCC of 0.592. The digital BCS also had a lower prediction error (RMSPE = 28.3%) when compared with ultrasound BCS than the manual BCS (RMSPE = 42.7%). The prediction error for digital and manual BCS methods were similar for cows with a BCS of 2.5 or more (RMSPE = 20.5% and 19.0% respectively) but digital BCS was more accurate for cows of less than 2.5 BCS (RMSPE = 35.5% and 63.8% respectively). Digital BCS can provide a more accurate assessment of cow body fat than manual BCS observations, with the added benefit of more automated and frequent monitoring potentially improving the welfare and sustainability of high production systems.

There are many canine body fat percentage assessment methods available including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), deuterium oxide method (D2O), computed tomography and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. These methods are technically sophisticated and therefore have limited practical utilities. The calculation of body fat percentage of dogs using morphometrics is a simple and inexpensive method. However, the interference of signalment of dogs in assessing body fat percentage using morphometrics remains unknown. This study was carried out to determine whether the body fat percentage of dogs calculated using morphometrics is affected by age, breed, sex, reproductive status, body size, and the five-point body condition score (BCS). The body fat percentage determined by morphometrics in 129 small, mediums and large size dogs was correlated with multiple signalment criteria. Body fat percentage poorly correlated with age, sex, reproductive status, body size, and breed. However, there was a significant correlation between body fat percentage and BCS (rho=0.81, p=&lt;0.001). In addition, the variability of body fat percentage between dogs was best explained by the variation of BCS (R2 =0.747, F=316.7, p=&lt;0.001). The results suggest that body fat percentage calculated using morphometrics can be reliably used in medium to large size dogs above or at the age of 6 months upto14 years irrespective of sex or reproductive status. Further, the present findings suggest that body fat percentage calculated using morphometrics which significantly correlates with the five-point BCS is an easy and cost-effective tool to identify dogs deviating from ideal body condition.

There are many canine body fat percentage assessment methods available including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), deuterium oxide method (D2O), computed tomography and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. These methods are technically sophisticated and therefore have limited practical utilities. The calculation of body fat percentage of dogs using morphometrics is a simple and inexpensive method. However, the interference of signalment of dogs in assessing body fat percentage using morphometrics remains unknown. This study was carried out to determine whether the body fat percentage of dogs calculated using morphometrics is affected by age, breed, sex, reproductive status, body size, and the five-point body condition score (BCS). The body fat percentage determined by morphometrics in 129 small, mediums and large size dogs was correlated with multiple signalment criteria. Body fat percentage poorly correlated with age, sex, reproductive status, body size, and breed. However, there was a significant correlation between body fat percentage and BCS (rho=0.81, p=&lt;0.001). In addition, the variability of body fat percentage between dogs was best explained by the variation of BCS (R2 =0.747, F=316.7, p=&lt;0.001). The results suggest that body fat percentage calculated using morphometrics can be reliably used in medium to large size dogs above or at the age of 6 months upto14 years irrespective of sex or reproductive status. Further, the present findings suggest that body fat percentage calculated using morphometrics which significantly correlates with the five-point BCS is an easy and cost-effective tool to identify dogs deviating from ideal body condition.