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Regional body surface area of sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. W. Bennett
J. W. Bennett
Affiliation:
C.S.I.R.O., Division of Animal Physiology, Ian Clunies Ross Animal Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 239, Blachtowm, N.S.W. 2148, Australia
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Summary

Twenty-three shorn, adult Merino sheep weighing 22·6–63·1 kg were killed and total skin surface area and eight regional skin surface areas measured after skinning. Bodyfat content (1·9–43·6% of body weight) was estimated from the tritiated-water space and body dimensions were recorded before slaughter.

Body weight was the best single measure for predicting total area and regional areas, and little advantage was gained by using multiple regressions incorporating body weight, fat content and body dimensions. Proportional surface areas of all regions except the neck were significantly related to body weight; positively for the trunk, and negatively for the ear, lower leg, upper leg and head. Equations relating regional surface area (% total area) to body weight are presented.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 81 , Issue 3 , December 1973 , pp. 429 - 432
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1973

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References

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