Body Biometry Research Articles

Biometrical Analysis of the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) in Laal Suhanra National Park, Pakistan

The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), commonly referred to as the Indian Rhinoceros, is an endangered species inhabiting the floodplains and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent. Once abundant, the species now faces a vulnerable status in its homeland, as confirmed by the International Union for The Conservation of Nature IUCN’s assessment. Objective: To record Rhinoceros unicornis' biometric body measurements for the first time. Methods: The following study delves into the significance of body biometry data for the conservation of this remarkable species Indian One Horned Rhinoceros housed at Lal Suhanra National Park, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to give conservationists, the resources they need to develop more effective methods involving habitat management, population monitoring, and captive breeding programs, a thorough analysis of the physical characteristics, growth trends, and sexual dimorphism of 42-year-old Indian Rhinos via the evaluation of the body measurements was conducted. Results: This study presents comprehensive body measurements of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros which have never been published before. The length of the rhino itself spanned 143 inches, encapsulating the magnitude of this magnificent creature. These insightful observations are crucial for protecting the threatened species, particularly considering the growing threats caused by habitat loss, poaching, and the effects of climate change. Conclusions: Biometric analysis of large mammals assumes a pivotal role when designing enclosures and estimating the enclosure dimensions.

Morphological Characterization of Gadik Sheep in North East Part of Afghanistan

The Gadik sheep, the local breed in Afghanistan, is reared mainly for meat. The sheep is a native breed in Badakhshan and Panjshir provinces of Afghanistan and has good adaptation to cold weather and mountainous regions. It also plays a vital role in the income of households, this study investigated the documentation and morphological traits of the sheep, a survey was conducted during the research that examined the sheep's habitat, body biometry, management procedures, and reproductive and productive performance. To examine the sheep's morphological characteristics, 40 sheep 20 ewes and 20 rams from one to four years old had their morphological features measured. Morphological characteristics that are included in measurements are: head and neck traits; back and tail traits; teats and testes; height, length, and depth traits; coat covert; and coloring. Gadik had a characteristically three-color coat: brown, white, and black. All data were collected from 40 flocks, with an average of 28.1±1.9 heads per flock. They lambed twins at about 45.0±3.33% and remain single, and they also followed a restricted breeding pattern, i.e., they got just one lambing per year in the spring but others lambed twice per year. The flocks graze for 10±0.2 h daily during the summer. Shearing was done twice a year, in spring and fall, with an average wool production of 0.4±0.02 kg/clip animal.
 Gadik is a small breed among other sheep breeds in Afghanistan and possesses a small, thin, short-tail sheep with an average weight of 25.35±0.0 kg (males: 26.6±0.40 kg; females: 24.1±0.40 kg) and a slightly convex nose. Males had horns, Females were hornless. Birth weight averaged 1.2±4.39 kg. The average body length was 50.85±0.03 cm. Sex and age were important contributors to differences in most traits; however, location differences also affected a few of the traits. Location differences existed for weight traits, and animals at Wiyar and Bashar were slightly bigger and heavier as compared to Shedoj, Dashar, and Sarchashma villages. Animals had medium-sized heads with a slightly bulging forehead, a tapering face, and shining eyes. Rams carried horns, 21.9±0.44 cm long, affected by sex and age. In mature males, horns run backward and grow outward somehow spirally. The adult population had fully developed, floppy (semi-pendulous), laterally protruded, and free of any pricks, small-sized ears with an average length of 7.00±0.13 cm and a blade width of 7.00±0.12 cm, and was affected by age and sex factors. Lambs in Wiyar and Bashar had higher respective body weights, while lambs in Shedoj, Dashar, and Sarchashma were inferior to those in the remaining villages.

Morphometric Assessment of the Ciliary Body in Patients With Marfan Syndrome and Ectopia Lentis: A Quantitative Study Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy

To explore the biometric characteristics of the ciliary body in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and ectopia lentis (EL). Cross-sectional study. Seventy-two consecutive patients with MFS and EL and 72 nondiseased control subjects were recruited. Ciliary body biometric parameters such as ciliary muscle cross-sectional area at 2000 µm from the scleral spur (CMA2000), ciliary muscle thickness at 1000 µm from the scleral spur (CMT1000), and maximum ciliary body thickness (CBTmax) were measured from multiple directions with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). The relationship between ciliary body parameters and other ocular characteristics was also evaluated. Average CMA2000, CMT1000, and CBTmax were 0.692 ± 0.015 mm2, 0.405 ± 0.010 mm, and 0.855 ± 0.023 mm in eyes of patients with MFS, respectively, and were significantly smaller than these values in control subjects (all P < .001). The prevalence of ciliary body thinning was 22.2% in the MFS group vs 0 in the control group (P < .001); eyes with more severe EL had smaller CMA2000 (P=.050), thinner CMT1000 (P=.022), and shorter CBTmax (P=.015). Patients with microspherophakia (MSP) had even smaller CMA2000 (P=.033) and CMT1000 (P=.044) than those without MSP. The most common subluxation direction was in the superonasal quadrant (n=25; 39.7%), which probably correlates with the thinnest CMT1000 in the inferotemporal quadrant (P=.005). Patients with MFS and EL had thinner ciliary muscles, shorter ciliary processes, and a higher prevalence of ciliary body thinning, especially those with MSP. Both the extent and direction of subluxation were associated with ciliary body biometry.</ABSTRACT>.

Lipid profile, apolipoproteins A-1 and B in owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) in captivity.

Owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) are frequently affected by heart diseases and, as in humans, dyslipidemia is one of the predisposing factors for adverse cardiovascular events. In view of this, the study of the lipid profile and plasma apolipoproteins can contribute to the clinical management of this neotropical primate species. Lipid profile as well as A-1 and B apolipoprotein values were analyzed in 60 owl monkeys, studying their relationship with body biometry and the presence of cardiac alterations. Animals suspected of having heart disease did not show significant differences (p < .05) in terms of biometry or in relation to lipid profile and apolipoproteins A-1 and B values; however, higher values of LDL and ApoB and ApoB/ApoA-1 were observed in this group. This study is the first to describe the lipid profile and apolipoprotein values in owl monkeys, and further work will be needed to better elucidate the worthiness of LDL, ApoB, and the ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio in this primate species.

Integrative analysis ofMazama temama(Artiodactyla: Cervidae) and designation of a neotype for the species

AbstractMazama temama is the smallest red deer in Central America. It was one of the first species described for the genus, and until the end of the last century many authors considered it as a subspecies of Mazama americana due to morphological similarities. Cytogenetic studies of animals in captivity have shown different karyotypes that led to its recognition as a unique species, and phylogenetic studies sustained the monophyly of the species, with some inconsistencies due to its wide geographical distribution. The objectives of the study were to characterize a topotype of Veracruz and three other specimens from a Campeche locality, to complement the description of M. temama and to propose a neotype for the species. We described this species morphologically (cranial measurements, skin color, and body biometry), and obtained karyorypes from wild animals with known origins for cytogenetic analyses (C band, G band, Ag-NOR, and Giemsa staining). We also performed phylogenetic analyses of Cytb, D-loop, COI, and ND5 mitochondrial genes. The morphometric results separated M. temama from M. americana but not from the other small Mazama species. The phylogenetic trees of mitochondrial genes Cytb, COI, and ND5 corroborated the monophyly of the species with 100% of posterior probability. The topotype’s karyotype is significantly different from the one previously described for the species, and the other specimens from Campeche have karyotype variants whose chromosomal rearrangements are possibly the beginning of a reproductive isolation mechanism. We discussed the possibility to have more than one species of red brocket deer in Mexico and Central America.

Body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions

ABSTRACT: Brazilian Association of Crioulo Horse Breeders (ABCCC) establishes minimal and maximal body biometrics evaluation; although, nothing is mentioned about testicular measurements. Body and testicular growth are associated and related to age. We described data regarding body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions, with a comparative study between young and adult categories. Evaluation was performed in 56 stallions, Crioulo breed, split in: youngsters (3 and 4 years-old, n=16) and adults (above 5 years-old, n=40). Body biometry included weight, height, cannon bone and chest circumference, body score condition and neck fat accumulation. Testicular biometry included height, length, width, volume, combined volume and daily sperm output (DSO). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation, comparison between means by Kruskal Wallis, being P &lt; 0.05 considered significant. There was no significant difference between the parameters of body and testicular biometrics between categories young and adult. In relation to height, the average was very close to the lower limit established, while chest and cannon bone circumference were above the minimum recommended by ABCCC. Cannon bone circumference presented a positive correlation with height. Most of stallions presented excessive body fat, with a body score condition above 8 (scale 1-9). Neck fat accumulation presented a positive correlation with body score condition. Testicular height, length, width and volume presented a positive correlation between the ipsi and contralateral testicle, total testicular volume and DSO. In conclusion, no difference in the body and testicular biometric evaluation was observed between young and adult Crioulo stallions. Testicular and body growth are associated and also related to age, so our finding suggested that after 3-4 years-old most of Crioulo stallions have already reached maximum growth.

Revalidation of Mazama rufa (Illiger 1815) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) as a Distinct Species out of the Complex Mazama americana (Erxleben 1777).

The red brocket deer Mazama americana Erxleben, 1777 is considered a polyphyletic complex of cryptic species with wide chromosomal divergence. Evidence indicates that the observed chromosomal divergences result in reproductive isolation. The description of a neotype for M. americana allowed its genetic characterization and represented a comparative basis to resolve the taxonomic uncertainties of the group. Thus, we designated a neotype for the synonym Mazama rufa Illiger, 1815 and tested its recognition as a distinct species from the M. americana complex with the analysis of morphological, cytogenetic and molecular data. We also evaluated its distribution by sampling fecal DNA in the wild. Morphological data from craniometry and body biometry indicated an overlap of quantitative measurements between M. rufa and the entire M. americana complex. The phylogenetic hypothesis obtained through mtDNA confirmed the reciprocal monophyly relationship between M. americana and M. rufa, and both were identified as distinct molecular operational taxonomic units by the General Mixed Yule Coalescent species delimitation analysis. Finally, classic cytogenetic data and fluorescence in situ hybridization with whole chromosome painting probes showed M. rufa with a karyotype of 2n = 52, FN = 56. Comparative analysis indicate that at least fifteen rearrangements separate M. rufa and M. americana (sensu stricto) karyotypes, which confirmed their substantial chromosomal divergence. This divergence should represent an important reproductive barrier and allow its characterization as a distinct and valid species. Genetic analysis of fecal samples demonstrated a wide distribution of M. rufa in the South American continent through the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and south region of Amazon. Thus, we conclude for the revalidation of M. rufa as a distinct species under the concept of biological isolation, with its karyotype as the main diagnostic character. The present work serves as a basis for the taxonomic review of the M. americana complex, which should be mainly based on cytogenetic characterization and directed towards a better sampling of the Amazon region, the evaluation of available names in the species synonymy and a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis.

Study of Body Conformation of Carpet Wool Type Chitarangi Sheep of India using Principal Component Analysis

Background: The principal component analysis is applied to identify minimum number of combined variables that account for maximum portion of the variance existing in all variables studied. Chitarangi is a lesser known carpet type wool sheep distributed in Fazilka and Muktsar districts of Punjab, Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan and the adjoining areas. The information on body biometry is a prerequisite to characterize the lesser known sheep population available in the country. Hence, it is important to describe the body conformation by recording minimum number of biometric traits. Methods: Body biometry traits of Chitarangi sheep, a lesser known carpet quality wool producing sheep population were studied using Principal Component Analysis. The traits studied were body length (BL), height at wither (HW), chest girth (CG), paunch girth (PG), ear length (EL), face length (FL), face width (FW), tail length (TL) and adult body weight (BW). The data were collected on 297 ewes in the breeding tract of Chitarangi sheep. The descriptive statistics were determined for all the traits. The phenotypic correlations between different body biometric traits were estimated using partial correlations. Principal components were estimated using correlation matrix. Principal component analysis (PCA), a multivariate approach, is used when the recorded traits are highly correlated. Rotation of principal components was through the transformation of the components to approximate a simple structure. Factor analysis using oblique (promax) rotation was used. All the analysis was carried out using the SPSS statistical package. Result: The averages for body weight and biometry traits confirmed large size of Chitarangi animals. Most of the phenotypic correlations amongst the studied traits were positive and significant (p less than 0.01). The three components extracted from nine principal components accounted for 69.06% of the total variance. The first component, which described body size of ewes, accounted for 43.68% of the total variation with high loading for BW, CG, PG, HW, BL and FL. The components two and three explained 13.54 and 11.83% of total variance, respectively. The communalities ranged from 0.490 (FL) to 0.888 (PG). The lower communalities for face length indicated lower contribution of the trait to explain the total variation than others. The study indicates that principal components provided a means of reduction in number of biometric traits to explain body confirmation of adult female Chitarangi sheep.

Chitarangi sheep: A new carpet type ovine genetic resource of north-western India

Chitarangi, a lesser known carpet type wool sheep which inhabits Punjab and Rajasthan. The survey was conducted in order to characterize and evaluate the performance of this unexplored sheep population. The data on body biometry, phenotypic characters and other performance traits were collected based on personnel recording, observations and information provided by the sheep farmers. Shamaki wali, a more prevalent synonym for this sheep among the farmers, is derived from Shamaki village of Ghadsana mandi tehsil of Sriganganagar district. Farmers reported rearing this sheep since more than last 40-50 years. Chitarangi animals are medium to large in size. The coat colour is white. A red brown ring around eyes, patches on muzzle, red brown colour of distal half of the ear pinna and serration of various shape and depth in distal part of the ear pinna are distinct and distinguishing phenotypic characteristic of this breed. The light brown and chocolate colours of these markings were also observed in some of the animals. Ears are large in size and leafy. Both the sexes are polled; however, horns were noticed in some rams. Tail is thin and medium in length. The average body weight of adult males and females were 56.27±1.28 and 46.16±0.50 kg, respectively which ranged from 39 to 95 kg in males and 26 to 74 kg in females. The overall body length, height at wither, chest girth, paunch girth, face length, face width, ear length and tail length were also estimated. Fleece is not very dense and of good carpet quality. The fibre diameter, medulation and staple length were 42.22±0.10 μ, 56.60±4.22% and 5.90±0.32 cm, respectively which indicate that wool is of good carpet type. The age at first breeding in rams and age at first lambing in ewes were 12 to 15 and 18 to 23 months, respectively. The results indicate that the Chitarangi sheep is phenotypically different from other sheep breeds of the region and famous for carpet type wool.

Reproductive biology, morphology, and morphometry of ovaries and oviducts of Trachemys scripta elegans in Brazilian Cerrado

ABSTRACT: Although Trachemys scripta elegans is an exotic species popular as a pet in Brazil, studies on reproductive biology and capacity are non-existent in the Brazilian Cerrado. This study analyzed ovarian and oviduct characteristics and the egg production capacity of T. scripta elegans grown in this biome. The findings will associate with the size of the specimens and the sexual maturity, aiming at comparisons with native and exotic populations, as well as interspecific and contributing to the understanding of its impact on the invaded ecosystems and the establishment of eradication programs. Thus, 39 females had evaluated the body biometry and the morphology and morphometry of the ovaries and oviducts. G2 (N=20): with Class I (&gt;5-10mm) follicles, with Class I and Class II (&gt;10-fold) follicles, 25mm) and G3 (N=9) with Class I, Class II and Class III (&gt;25mm) follicles. Analysis of variance, Scott-Knott’s test, and Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in body biometry; in the mean gonadosomatic index and gonadal morphometry, only the width of the oviducts in the right antimer and the mass and width in the left antimer were higher in G3, the only one that presented eggs. There was positive and harmonic development between body mass, carapace, and plastron, and gonadal growth occurred concomitantly with body growth, indicating a higher reproductive potential and a positive relationship between the size of the litter and the female litter. The gonadosomatic index proved to be an excellent reproductive indicator, and the ovarian evaluation was a better indicator of sexual maturity than the maximum carapace length. Ovaries were irregular structures, without delimitation between the cortical and medullary regions and filled with vitelogenic follicles of different diameters, atresic follicles, and corpora lutea, which reflected the ovarian complexity of the species and the presence of follicular hierarchy. In the scarce stroma, two germinative beds were observed per ovary and the presence of gaps very close to the follicles and associated with the blood vessels. Analysis of gonadal tissue revealed three types of oocytes according to cytoplasmic characteristics: homogeneous, vesicular or vesicular in the cortex with apparent granules. Oviducts were functional and separated, joining only in the final portion to form the cloaca and subdivided into infundibulum, tuba, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. The structure of the uterine tube was composed of serosa, muscular and mucous, which was full of glands. The presence of eggs in the oviducts indicated that the specimens can reproduce in the Brazilian Cerrado. This study provides necessary and relevant information on the reproductive biology and capacity of T. scripta elegans in the Brazilian Cerrado and can contribute to the understanding of its impact on the invaded ecosystems and the establishment of eradication programs. The extraction of females with capacity can reduce the annual reproductive yield of the species and decrease its effect on local biodiversity.

Low-dose (0.01%) atropine eye-drops to reduce progression of myopia in children: a multicentre placebo-controlled randomised trial in the UK (CHAMP-UK)—study protocol

Background/aimsTo report the protocol of a trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and mechanism of action of low-dose atropine (0.01%) eye-drops for reducing progression of myopia in UK children.MethodsMulticentre,...

PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERISTICS AND BIOMETRICAL STUDY ON DIFFERENT BREEDS OF PIGEON IN NORTHERN BANGLADESH

The experiment was conducted to characterize different breeds of pigeon phenotypically and to study their body biometry, which are available in the northernBangladesh. During this study 30 farms were selected which have &gt;20 pair of pigeons in the three study area namely Rajshahi, Natore and Pabna districts ofBangladesh. There about 15 breeds have been selected for the observation of phenotypic characteristics such as color of bill, eye, eyelid, skin, shank, toe, egg, head feather, neck feather, body feather, down feather, wing feather, tail feather and shape of bill, body and egg. The biometrical data were collected from the measurement of length of bill, head, body, shank, middle toe, wingspan and mature body weight. In this study the highest mean bill length was found 2.83±0.05cm in Strasser and lowest mean head length 5.00±0.00cm in Kormona, Nun and Jacobin. The highest mean body length was found 41.60±0.38cm in Strasser and lowest mean body length 30.00±0.43cm in Owl. The highest mean wingspan was found 81.00±0.51cm in Jacobin and lowest mean wingspan 60.45±0.76cm in kormona. The heighest mean shank length was found 3.40±0.13cm in Homer and lowest mean shank length 2.50±0.00cm in Giribug, Kormona, Nun, Satinette and Suachandan. The heighest mean middle toe length was found 4.40±0.05cm in pouter and lowest mean middle toe length 3.00±0.00cm in kormona. The heighest mean mature body weight was found 748.20±8.96gm in Strasser and lowest mean mature body weight 265.10±7.03gm in Giribug. Phenotypic correlation among bill length, head length, body length, wing span, shank length, middle toe length and mature body weight of these breeds of pigeon ranged from 0.233 to 0.789. The experiment’s result may contribute to breed up gradation, helps to formulate the conservation and improvement strategies for the breed as genetic resource.

Principal component analysis of biometric traits to explain body conformation in Kajali sheep of Punjab, India

Different body biometric traits were analysed in Kajali ewes (395) of Punjab (India) using varimax rotated principal components (PCA) with Kaiser Normalization to explain their body conformation and were subsequently used to predict adult body weight. These traits revealed that Kajali sheep were large in size and suitable for mutton production. The positive and highly significant phenotypic correlations among most of the traits indicates high predictability among these traits. PCA extracted major three components which explained 68.66% of total variation of body biometry. First component described the body size and explained about 36% of total variation. It was represented by high component loadings for chest girth, paunch girth and body weight. The second component described the tail length, height and ear length and explained about 21% variation. The communalities ranges between 0.33 (face length) to 0.87 (chest girth). The lower communality of face length and ear length indicates that these traits are less effective to explain the body conformation. The study suggested that PCA could be used in breeding programme for phenotypic selection of Kajali ewes and PCA is more appropriate compared to multiple regression analysis in predicting adult body weight. In predicting body weight using multiple regression analysis, chest girth alone accounted for 55% of total variation in body weight whereas, use of first principal component as a single predictor explained 79% of total variance and the best prediction equation (R2 = 0.83) was obtained after inclusion of second and third component in the model.

Biometria corporal e parâmetros hematológicos de Trachemys scripta elegans e Trachemys dorbignyi (Testudines: Emydidae) criadas em cativeiro em Petrolina, Pernambuco

RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou avaliar a biometria corporal e o perfil hematológico de Trachemys scripta elegans (N=28) e de Trachemys dorbignyi (N=22) criadas em cativeiro na região do submédio do Vale do São Francisco, semiárido nordestino brasileiro, visando estabelecer valores sanguíneos básicos de saúde e gerar dados úteis na fisiologia comparativa de Testudines. Após 120 dias de adaptação e jejum de 24 horas, 2,5 mL de sangue foram coletados do seio occipital dorsal e depositados em tubo com heparina sódica para a avaliação, na sequência, dos níveis hematologicos. A contagem total de eritrócitos (CTE) e global de leucócitos (CGL) foi realizada em câmara de Neubauer; a dosagem de hemoglobina (HGB) pelo método da método da cianometahemoglobina e o hematócrito (HCT) através da técnica do microhematócrito. A partir da CTE estabeleceram-se matematicamente os índices hematimétricos. A biometria corporal também foi avaliada: a) massa corporal (MC, g); b) dimensões máximas da carapaça [comprimento (CMC, cm) e largura (LMC, cm)];c) dimensões máximas do plastrão [comprimento (CMP, cm) e largura (LMP, cm)]; d) comprimento total da cauda (CTC, cm); e) comprimento linear da base da cauda ao orifício cloacal (CprC, cm); f) comprimento linear do orifício cloacal a extremidade da cauda(CpoC, cm). T. scripta elegans apresentaram valores maiores (P &lt; 0,05) para a biometria corporal, enquanto que o CTC e CprC foram maiores (P&lt;0,05) em T dorbignyi. Os níveis hematológicos não diferiram (P&gt;0,05) entre as espécies. Os resultados demostram que a maior parte da variação observada entre T. scripta elegans e T. dorbignyi é explicada pelas variáveis biométricas e que algumas correlações hematológicas caracterizam diferenças interespecíficas. Conclui-se que os resultados lançam luz sobre valores de referência para estas espécies mantidas em cativeiro na região do semiárido e servem como um modelo para a fisiologia comparativa intra e interespécies.

Principal component analysis of body measurements based morphological structure of Madgyal sheep

The present study describes the morphometric structure of extensively managed Madgyal sheep of Maharashtra and predicts body weight from their body biometry traits using principal component analysis (PCA). The data on body weight and 13 body measurements were recorded on 200 randomly selected sheep. Phenotypic correlation among body weight and biometric traits were positive and highly significant except some of ear length related combinations. The PCA of morphometric traits extracted two components with a total variance 67.8% explained. The first factor had high loadings for variables related to body size, whereas second factor was loaded in favour of body shape. PCA was able to define the morphological structure of Madgyal sheep and identified traits with greater variability. The principal component based regression models were more appropriate than the use of original correlated variables in predicting the body weight. The findings could be useful in designing management, selection and breeding programmes of the Madgyal sheep.

Testicular morphology of adult wistar rats treated with Rudgea viburnoides (Cham.) Benth. leaf infusion

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of Rudgea viburnoides infusion on the body biometry and testicular morphometry and stereology of adult Wistar rats. Two groups received the infusion daily at the concentration of 3 or 6 mg/mL for 40 days. The control group received only water. Neither the biometrical parameters nor the tubular diameter and the height of the seminiferous epithelium showed any significant alterations in the treated animals. Leydig cells stereology did not show any significant alterations in the treated animals. These results indicated that R. viburnoides did not cause alterations in body biometry and testicular morphometry.