Ultrasonographic Measurement of Muscle and Fat Thickness in Alpacas
Author Information
Author(s): Franz Sonja, Andrich Melanie, Wittek Thomas
Primary Institution: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Hypothesis
Ultrasonographic measurements of soft-tissue thickness are closely associated with body condition score and body weight, and can therefore be used as an objective assessment method.
Conclusion
Ultrasonography is a reliable tool for determining the nutritional status of male and early or non-pregnant alpacas.
Supporting Evidence
- Ultrasonography can provide objective measurements of nutritional status in alpacas.
- Significant associations were found between body weight and body condition score.
- Ultrasonographic measurements showed low inter- and intra-examiner variability.
Takeaway
This study shows that using ultrasound to measure fat and muscle thickness can help us understand how healthy alpacas are, just like checking their weight or how they look.
Methodology
Ultrasonographic measurements of subcutaneous fat and muscle layers were taken at two body locations in 160 alpacas, and results were correlated with body weight and body condition score.
Potential Biases
The subjective nature of body condition scoring may lead to variability between examiners.
Limitations
The examiner could not be blinded to the body condition of the animal, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
160 alpacas (154 Huacaya, 6 Suri), aged over 1 year, from eight different herds in Austria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website