Foreleg Length Research Articles

Principal component analysis of the conformation traits of Yankasa sheep

This study was preformed to evaluate the biometric traits of 227 Yankasa sheep in northern Nigeria under a multivariate approach. The body measurements taken were: withers height, rump height, body length, heart girth, tail length, face length, shoulder width, head width, rump width, ear length, foreleg length, hind leg length and rump length. The animals were divided into two age groups: <15.5 and 15.5 - 28.3 months old, respectively. General linear model was used to study age group effect while principal component factor analysis was performed to define body shape upon the correlation matrix of the thirteen body measurements. Age group significantly (P<0.05) affected the morphological characters except ear length. Pearson?s coefficients of correlation were positive and significant in both age groups. In <15.5 months old sheep, four principal components (factors) were extracted (ratio of variance = 89.27). The first factor accounted for 73.03% of the total variance and was interpreted as a measure of general size. The second factor which explained 7.61% of the generalized variance tended to describe flesh dimensions (shoulder width and rump width), while the third factor had its loadings for tail length and ear length. The fourth factor was influenced by head width. In 15.5-28.3 months old sheep, three factors (ratio of variance=75.21) were identified. These seven extracted factors could be considered in breeding programmes to improve body conformation of sheep since variation in meat traits was not associated with body height.

Body weight measurements and correlation relationship in Savanna brown goats as influence by age at castration, sex and type of birth

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age at castration, type of birth and sex on body weight, body linear measurements and correlation between body weight and body length, chest length, height-at-withers, facial length and fore and hind leg lengths of semi-intensively managed Savanna Brown goats. Forty eight (48) Savanna Brown goats (kids) aged between 2 - 8 weeks were used. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The goats were randomly allocated to 12 treatments (T1- T12) comprising of 2 replicates with 2 goats per replicate. T1 –T8 were single and twin goats castrated at ages 2,4, 6,and 8 weeks respectively while T9, T10, T11 and T12 comprised of 8 entire males and 8 females respectively. Open castration method was carried out on the castrates. The parameters measured were body weight and body linear measurements such as body length, chest length, height at withers, facial length, fore leg length and hind leg length. The result showed that twins castrated at 2 weeks obtained significantly higher values over twins castrated at 8 weeks in body length (53.50 and 43.00) and fore leg length (41.65 and 33.75) . Fore leg and hind leg lengths were observed to be the most correlated to body weight and this was observed in twins castrated at 2 weeks. Therefore, the two parameters can be recommended as good estimate for predicting live weight in Savanna Brown goats kids up to 12 weeks of age.

Comparison of Physiological and Anthropometrical Variables of University Volleyball Players

The purpose of this study is to compare the physiological and anthropometrical variables of inter university female volleyball players. 75 North-East Zone Intervarsity Volleyball players 15 from each university including stand byes players i.e. Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, Lucknow University Lucknow, G.N.D.U. Amritsar, Panjab University Chandigarh and Manipur University Manipur, were selected for this study. The average age of the selected players was 18 to 25 years. Four physiological variables i.e. vital capacity, maximum expiratory pressure, breath holding capacity and pulse rate and seven anthropometrical variables i.e. height, weight, leg length, foreleg length, thigh length, calf girth and thigh girth were selected for this study. For statistical analysis of the data mean, was computed and one way ANOVA was utilized to compare the selected physiological and anthropometrical variables among the different university players. Level of significance was set at 0.05 level of confidence. Study concluded that in physiological variables, significant differences were found among the different team of volleyball players in vital capacity and breath holding capacity. In anthropometrical variables, significant differences were found among the different team of volleyball players in foreleg length, thigh length, weight, thigh girth and calf girth. In other physiological variables i.e. max, expiratory pressure and pulse rate, and in other anthropometrical variables i.e. height and leg length there were no significant differences were found among the different team of volleyball players. It means in these variables all five university players are more or less the same.

Weaponry, color, and contest success in the jumping spider Lyssomanes viridis

Weaponry and color badges are commonly theorized to function as visual signals of aggressiveness or fighting ability. However, few studies have supported a signaling function of weaponry, and the role of color in invertebrate competitive interactions remains virtually unexplored. Jumping spiders (Salticidae) make excellent invertebrate models for studying weaponry and color because males of many species are colorful and possess exaggerated chelicerae, which are used as weapons in escalated contests. To determine whether color or weaponry might function as visual signals in male-male competitions, we investigated relationships between contest success, cheliceral length, and red coloration in Lyssomanes viridis. Males having longer chelicerae than their opponents were significantly more likely to win (p=0.0008). Males who won, despite being smaller than their opponents, had significantly less red chelicerae than their opponents (p=0.01). Male and female cheliceral length, as well as foreleg length, correlated tightly with body size. Cheliceral and foreleg length showed significantly stronger positive allometry in males than in females. We conclude that male chelicerae and forelegs are under strong positive selection for their use in physical fights and/or as visual signals of fighting ability.

Body weight measurements and correlation relationship in Savanna Brown goats as influence by age at castration, sex and type of birth

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age at castration, type of birth and sex on body weight, body linear measurements and correlation of semi-intensively managed Savanna Brown goats. Forty eight (48) Savanna Brown goats (kids) aged between 2 - 8 weeks were used. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The goats were randomly allocated to 12 treatments (T1- T12) comprising of 2 replicates with 2 goats per replicate. T1 –T8 were goats castrated at ages 2,4, 6,and 8 weeks respectively while T9, T10, T11 and T12 comprised of 8 entire males and 8 females respectively. Open castration method was carried out on the castrates. The parameters measured were body weight and body linear measurements such as body length, chest length, height at withers, facial length, fore leg length and hind leg length. The result showed that twins castrated at 2 weeks obtained significantly higher values over twins castrated at 8 weeks in body length (53.50 and 43.00) and fore leg length (41.65 and 33.75) . Fore leg and hind leg lengths were observed to be the most correlated to body weight and this was observed in twins castrated at 2 weeks. Therefore, the two parameters can be recommended as good estimate for predicting live weight in Savanna Brown goats kids up to 12 weeks of age.Key words: Influence, age at Castration, type of birth, growth performance, Goats

Varimax rotated principal component factor analysis of the zoometrical traits of Uda sheep

A study was conducted to determine the interdependence among the conformation traits of 359 Uda rams using principal component factor analysis. The body measurements were withers height, body length, heart girth, rump height, rump width, rump length, face length, foreleg length and shoulder width. Age group of animals was a significant (p<0.05) source of variation for the studied traits. The various constituent parts of the body developed at varying rates. From the factor analysis, with varimax rotation of the transfor- mation matrix, two principal components were extracted, which accounted for 86.3% of the total variance. The first principal component alone explained 80.8% of the variation, and tended to describe general size, while the second principal component had its loadings for meat traits (rump width, shoulder width and rump length). The two extracted principal components could be considered in selection programmes to obtain animals with better conformation using fewer measurements.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT AND LINEAR BODY DIMENSIONS OF GUINEA PIG (Cavia porcellus) IN THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA

Data on 24 weaned guinea pigs were used to evaluate the relationship between live body weights and linear measurements. The traits measured were body weight (BW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), trunk length (TL), fore leg length (FLL), hind leg length (HLL) and ear length (EL). Measurements of body components were regressed against live weight at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks using linear, quadratic and exponential regression analyses. The regression equations, estimates of parameters and coefficient of determination (R2 ) for the fitted functions were determined. Strong interrelationships (p<0.05) were observed among the parameters. The coefficient of determination (R2 ) values varied from 0.00 to 0.42%, 0.16 to 0.78%, 0.10 to 0.81%, 0.15 to 0.80% and 0.03 to 0.68% at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks respectively. Body length (BL) had higher R 2 value at 4 weeks (0.42%), 6 weeks (0.78%) and 8 weeks (0.81%) respectively with the exponential function while; heart girth had higher R2 value at 10 weeks with the exponential function (0.80%) and at 12 weeks (0.68%) with quadratic function. Based on R2 value, exponential function was generally superior in terms of goodness of fit to the data and its ability to predict body weight. (Keywords : Body length, heart girth, trunk length, fore leg length, hind leg length, ear length)

A new species of Asthenopus (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae: Asthenopodinae) from Brazil and Colombia

A new species of Asthenopus, A. crenulatus sp. nov. is described from adults of both sexes from Brazil and Colombia. The new species is diagnosed by: male foreleg length 0.7–0.9 times the length of fore wing, marginal intercalary veins on the entire margin of fore and hind wings generally shorter than distance between longitudinal veins, forceps and penes long and slender, penes with many subapical spines. This new species is closely related with A. picteti (Hubbard). A key to the male adults of Asthenopus is included.

Relationship between body weight and linear body dimensions of Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) in the southern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria

Data on 24 weaned guinea pigs were used to evaluate the relationship between live body weights and linear measurements. The traits measured were body weight (BW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), trunk length (TL), fore leg length (FLL), hind leg length (HLL) and ear length (EL). Measurements of body components were regressed against live weight at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks using linear, quadratic and exponential regression analyses. The regression equations, estimates of parameters and coefficient of determination (R2 ) for the fitted functions were determined. Strong interrelationships (p&lt;0.05) were observed among the parameters. The coefficient of determination (R2 ) values varied from 0.00 to 0.42%, 0.16 to 0.78%, 0.10 to 0.81%, 0.15 to 0.80% and 0.03 to 0.68% at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks respectively. Body length (BL) had higher R2 value at 4 weeks (0.42%), 6 weeks (0.78%) and 8 weeks (0.81%) respectively with the exponential function while; heart girth had higher R2 value at 10 weeks with the exponential function (0.80%) and at 12 weeks (0.68%) with quadratic function. Based on R2 value, exponential function was generally superior in terms of goodness of fit to the data and its ability to predict body weight. (Keywords: Body length, heart girth, trunk length, fore leg length, hind leg length, ear length)

Argali lamb (Ovis ammon) morphometric measurements and survivorship in Mongolia

We examined variables that might affect survivorship of neonatal argali sheep (Ovis ammon), including body weight, date of birth, gender, precipitation, and year affects, which often influence neonatal survivorship in other species of sheep. From 2003 to 2008 we hand-captured 75 argali lambs (38♂, 36♀, 1 undetermined) and attached expandable, drop-off radio collars in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia. We collected morphometric and physiological measurements and radio-tracked lambs to obtain data on survivorship and mortality. We found similar morphometric and physiological measurements for male and female lambs, with significant differences only in foreleg length (♀<♂) and respiration rates (♀>♂). Only 44.6% of argali lambs survive their first month of life, but thereafter their mortality rate decreases. Lambs not born in 2006, born in years following years with higher April precipitation, and born later in the year enjoyed significantly higher survival to one month. We found high mortality in the years with severe drought (2005–2006), which depressed overall survivorship. We found no significant effect of any physiological or morphometric variables on lamb survival. Argali lambs die from several causes, with predation (44.6%) and starvation (21.4%) being the most significant.

Morphometric studies on &lt;i&gt;Culex quinquefasciatus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Mansonia africana&lt;/i&gt; (Diptera: Culicidae) in Abeokuta, south-western Nigeria

Some of the important mosquito species are generally sympatric in terms of their geographical distributions, and are difficult to identify based solely on examination of adult females using the available morphological keys. In this study, adult mosquitoes were collected indoors in Abeokuta in south-western Nigeria between August 2005 and July 2006 using Center for Disease Control light traps. The objective was to investigate possible morphological differences in populations of Culex quinquefasciatus and Mansonia africana. Six morphological characters namely, wing length, antennal length, proboscis length, foreleg length, mid leg length and hind leg length were measured in the two species. A total of 868 Cx quinquefasciatus and 962 M. africana were collected during the study period. The mean length was observed to be higher in most characters during the wet season than the dry season but the variation was not statistically significant (P > 0.005). In M. africana, the antennal length, proboscis length, foreleg length and midleg length showed one peak each. The wing length exhibited three peaks while hind leg length showed two peaks. For Cx quinquefasciatus, the antennal length, proboscis length, foreleg length, mid leg length and hind leg length indicated one peak. The wing length however showed three peaks. Each of the peaks observed in wing length and hind leg length of M. africana and wing length of Cx quinquefasciatus was assumed to be a specific population. The coefficient of differences (CDs) for each population indicated the presence of three populations in M. africana (CD > 1.28). However, the hind leg length showed that the two populations were the same (CD < 1.28). Three populations were also obtained from CD for wing leg length of Cx quinquefasciatus (CD > 1.28). Other characters indicated the presence of only one population. The results therefore underscore the need to investigate the status of the two species in relation to species complex.

Mid-pregnancy shearing of autumn-lambing ewes in New Zealand

The aim of the present experiment was to ascertain if mid-pregnancy shearing of autumn-lambing ewes would increase the birthweight of the lambs. Following pregnancy diagnosis, 123 pregnant ewes were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups. One group was shorn on day 74 of pregnancy (P74) and both treatment groups were managed as one mob. Ewe liveweights were recorded on day 53 of pregnancy (P53), day 141 of pregnancy (P141), and 45 (L45) and 75 days (L75) after the start of the lambing period. Lamb liveweights were recorded within the first 24 h of birth, L45 and L75. In addition, girth circumference, crown–rump length, fore leg length and rear leg length were measured within the first 24 h of birth. Ewe liveweight, inclusive of the removed fleece, did not differ between treatment groups at P53, P141, L45 or L75. Lambs born to shorn ewes were heavier at birth compared with lambs born to unshorn ewes (P &lt; 0.05; 4.56 v. 4.24, respectively), but not at L45 or L75. Girth circumference (P &lt; 0.01), crown–rump length (P &lt; 0.05) and fore leg length (P &lt; 0.01) were also longer in lambs born to shorn ewes. It was concluded that ewes shearing ewes in the summer–autumn period can be used as a means of increasing lamb birthweight.

MAPPING QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI UNDERLYING FITNESS-RELATED TRAITS IN A FREE-LIVING SHEEP POPULATION

We searched for quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying fitness-related traits in a free-living pedigree of 588 Soay sheep in which a genetic map using 251 markers with an average spacing of 15 cM had been established previously. Traits examined included birth date and weight, considered both as maternal and offspring traits, foreleg length, hindleg length, and body weight measured on animals in August and jaw length and metacarpal length measured on cleaned skeletal material. In some cases the data were split to consider different age classes separately, yielding a total of 15 traits studied. Genetic and environmental components of phenotypic variance were estimated for each trait and, for those traits showing nonzero heritability (N= 12), a QTL search was conducted by comparing a polygenic model with a model including a putative QTL. Support for a QTL at genome-wide significance was found on chromosome 11 for jaw length; suggestive QTL were found on chromosomes 2 and 5 (for birth date as a trait of the lamb), 8 (birth weight as a trait of the lamb), and 15 (adult hindleg length). We discuss the prospects for refining estimates of QTL position and effect size in the study population, and for QTL searches in free-living pedigrees in general.

On-farm characterization and present status of North Bengal Grey (NBG) cattle in Bangladesh

SummaryNorth Bengal Grey (NBG) cattle are an important indigenous cattle genetic resource found mainly in the northern part of Bangladesh. The study was undertaken at Bogra Sadar, Shibgonj and Kahalu Upazila (sub-district) in the Bogra district. The physical and morphological characteristics, and the productive and reproductive performances of NBG cattle were studied. The coat colour of these animals is deep grey to white. The coat colour of the neck region in adult bulls was found to be generally ashy with a range of shades.The body is small, compact and less fleshy. Ear length and ear width were 18.0±0.17 and 11.0±0.21 cm, respectively. The head length average was 38.0±0.56 cm, the head width 16.0±0.17 cm, the foreleg length average 65.0±0.64 cm, the hind leg length 71.0±0.64 cm, the tail length average 71.0±0.67 cm, the horn length average 9.0±0.39 cm, the horn diameter 10.0±0.37 cm, the average teat length 5.0±0.18 cm, the teat diameter 6.0±0.22 cm, the distance betweenthe front teats 7.0±0.13 cm and the distance between the rear teats 7.0±0.13 cm. Body length, height at wither and heart girth in adult cows were 105.0il.20, 94.0+1.12 and 127.0±1.52 cm, respectively.The recorded highest peak milk production per day was 3.5±0.18 kg, lactation length was 219±6.1 days, and the dry period was 180±6.8 days. The average birth weight of calves was 18.4±0.52 kg and mature live weight of cows 241.0±4.0 kg. The age at first heat was 869±29.6 days, age at first calving 1191±19.7 days, gestation length 281±1.3 days, calving interval 442±7.4 days, postpartum heat period 110±4.2 days and the number of services per conception 1.4±0.6. About 54% of total cattle population was NBG cattle in the surveyed area of Bangladesh. The results indicated that the productive and reproductive performance of NBG cattle was better than other non-descript indigenous cattle of Bangladesh. The study further revealed an obvious need for more in-depth and objective information on wider samples of this type of indigenous cattle in order to assess the future need for conservation and improvement programs to be undertaken.

Power Output Estimate in University Athletes

A simple mechanical power formula was devised for both peak and average power using a countermovement jump and reach test from a force platform. College athletes (49 F, 69 M) were measured for height, weight, thigh circumference, thigh skinfold, thigh length, and foreleg length. A Vertec was used to measure vertical jump height, and the force platform was used to help determine power output. Eight anthropometric measurements, vertical jump height, and gender were used in a stepwise multiple regression to develop the prediction equations. Gender was not significant (p > 0.05) and therefore was not loaded into either equation. Estimated and actual peak power values were 4,707 ± 1,511 and 4,687 ± 1,612 watts, respectively. Estimated average and actual average power values were 2,547 ± 760 and 2,463 ± 753 watts, respectively. Vertical jump height, mass, and body height were the significant variables selected by the stepwise multiple regression to predict both peak and average mechanical power, accounting for 91 and 82% of the variance in peak and average power output, respectively. This indicates they are good predictors of peak and average power output in college athletes.

Caste allometries in the soldier-producing aphidPseudoregma alexanderi (Hormaphididae: Aphidoidea)

Colonies of the aphidPseudoregma alexanderi produce morphologically-specialized first-instar larvae, termed soldiers, that defend the colony from predators. The environmental cues and physiological mechanisms governing soldier production are currently unknown. Here we present a morphometric study of soldiers and normal first-instar larvae ofP. alexanderi. Several morphological features (fore-leg length and width, hind-leg length, and horn length) plotted against body length display relationship that are similar to a sigmoidal curve. We found further support for an earlier finding that soldiers fall into two size categories, majors and minors, although both types of soldiers appear to follow the same allometry. The patterns of allometry in the soldier-producing aphids are very different from those found in other social insects and do not easily fit into the traditional categorization of allometries. We present two simple alternative models of soldier development as a framework for guiding future studies of the mechanisms of soldier production.

Power Output Estimate in University Athletes

ABSTRACTA simple mechanical power formula was devised for both peak and average power using a countermovement jump and reach test from a force platform. College athletes (49 F, 69 M) were measured for height, weight, thigh circumference, thigh skinfold, thigh length, and foreleg length. A Vertec was

Foot morphology and distribution of Sika deer in relation to snow depth in Japan

AbstractThe distribution of Sika deer (Cervus nippon) on Japanese islands is biased toward, the east where there is less snow. To explain this biased distribution in relation to snow, the foot morphology of Sika deer was measured. Hoof load was greatest in male adults (0.78 kg cm−2) and smallest in fawns (c 0.43 kg cm−2). The values were similar to those for white‐tailed deer, and were smaller than those for snow‐adapted species like caribou and chamois. Foreleg length was c. 50 cm and 60 cm, and hind feet (lower half) length was c. 40 cm and 45 cm for fawns and adult deer, respectively. Chest heights were c. 45 cm and 53 cm for fawns and adults, respectively. These figures suggest that areas where snow accumulates deeper than 50 cm are not favorable as a Sika deer habitat. The present distribution of Sika deer is clearly related to snow depth: they are mostly concentrated in the ‘preferable area’ of &lt;50 cm of snow, some of them can live in the ‘habitable area’ of 50–100 cm of snow, and they rarely live in the ‘inhabitable area’ of &gt;100 cm of snow.

OIL FLOWERS AND OIL BEES: FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR POLLINATOR ADAPTATION.

We examined foreleg length and body size variation in two species of oil-collecting bees (Rediviva; Melittidae) in southern Africa. Oil-collecting bees harvest oil from host flowers by rubbing their forelegs against oil-secreting trichomes. Significant differences in foreleg length occur among populations of both species. Rediviva "pallidula" populations vary significantly in mean foreleg length (11.34 ± 0.42 mm to 12.67 ± 0.36 mm), but not in body length (10.59 ± 0.74 to 10.80 ± 0.64), and foreleg length and body size are not significantly correlated. Instead, foreleg variation appears to be a function of host plant spur length. Ninety-two percent of the variance in foreleg length of R. "pallidula" is explained by mean Diascia spur length. Rediviva rufocincta populations vary significantly in mean foreleg length (10.12 ± 0.70 mm to 12.34 ± 0.68 mm) and in body length (9.03 ± 0.26 mm to 10.56 ± 0.24 mm). Foreleg length scales allometrically with body size in this species as 90.5% of the variance in foreleg length can be explained as a function of body length. Body size appears to be constrained by the morphology of the oil-secreting host plant. Both bees collect floral oil with specially modified setae on the tarsi of their forelegs. The length of the disti- + mediotarsus (refered to here as "tarsus") in relation to the entire foreleg is shorter in R. rufocincta and does not increase as rapidly with increasing foreleg length as for R. "pallidula." These differences in variation can be attributed to differences in position of oil within the flowers of the respective host plants. Rediviva "pallidula" collects oil from Diascia species that have the oil deeply situated in narrow floral spurs of varying length, while R. rufocincta collects oil from the broadly saccate flowers of Bowkeria verticillata and B. citrina.

Comparison of market hog characteristics of pigs selected by feeder pig frame size or current USDA feeder pig grade standards.

Two feeder pig grading systems were tested. Forty-five barrows were selected using current USDA Feeder Pig Grade Standards (U.S. No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3). Additionally, 45 barrows were selected using three frame sizes (large, medium and small). Pigs were slaughtered at 100, 113.5 of 127 kg live weight. Trimmed four lean cuts were separated into soft tissue, skin and bone. The skinless belly and soft tissue from the four lean cuts were ground separately and analyzed chemically. Data from each grading system were analyzed separately in a 3 X 3 factorial plan. Pigs selected using current USDA grade standards differed (P less than .05) for last rib backfat, 10th rib fat depth, longissimus muscle area, percentage of trimmed four lean cuts and USDA carcass grade. In the frame size system, pigs with large frame size had less last rib backfat, less 10th rib fat depth, longer carcasses, higher percentage of four lean cuts and superior USDA carcass grades than pigs with small frame size did (P less than .05). The Bradley and Schumann test of sensitivity showed that selection by frame size was more sensitive than current USDA grade standards for discriminating feeder pig foreleg length, body depth and ham width. In addition, selection by frame size was more sensitive than current USDA grade standards for discriminating carcass length and carcass radius length. No increase in sensitivity (P greater than .10) was noted for carcass composition or growth traits over the current USDA Feeder Pig Grade Standards.