ULTRASONIC FAT MEASUREMENT OF CAPTIVE YEARLING BULL MOOSE

Authors

  • Thomas R. Stephenson
  • Kris J. Hundertmark
  • Charles C. Schwartz
  • Victor Van Ballenberghe

Abstract

The ability to measure fat thickness in live moose offers potential as an index of population condition. Consequently, we evaluated the feasibility of using portable real-time ultrasound to measure body fat in five captive yearling bull moose (Alces alces). The rump region of the bulls was scanned, twice weekly for 3 weeks during the rut, using a 5 MHz transducer; an additional set of measurements was obtained in April 1993. Ultrasonic fat thickness was measured at multiple sites along a line between the spine, at its closest point to the tuber coxae (hip bone), and the uber ischii (pin bone), as well as along a second line perpendicular to the first line at its midpoint. The range of maximum subcutaneous fat thickness at the beginning of the study was 0.3 - 2.4 cm. Fat thickness declined significantly during the rut. The range of fat loss during the rut at the intersection of the 2 measurement lines was 0.2 - 1.2 cm. This in vivo technique exhibits potential to monitor body condition.

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Published

1993-01-01

How to Cite

Stephenson, T. R., Hundertmark, K. J., Schwartz, C. C., & Van Ballenberghe, V. (1993). ULTRASONIC FAT MEASUREMENT OF CAPTIVE YEARLING BULL MOOSE. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 29, 115–123. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/991

Issue

Vol. 29 (1993): Alces Vol. 29 (1993)

Section

Articles

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