The relationship of heart-girth to liveweight of female goats in New Zealand

Authors: Pomroy WE, Chalmers K, Charleston WAG
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 10, pp 167-169, Oct 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Goat, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Bodyweight/liveweight/condition score, Species description
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: The correlations between heart-girths (measured as the smallest thoracic circumference) and liveweight were determined for 96 Saanen, 100 Angora and 101 feral female goats all of New Zealand origin. The correlation coefficients were 0.94, 0.94 and 0.90 for Saanens, Angoras and ferals respectively. To facilitate liveweight estimation for calculating doses of non-mineralised anthelmintics and to minimise under-dosing it is suggested that a straight-line equivalent of the upper 95% confidence curve be used. Care should be exercised in using girth measurements in small animals where the error could be high. They are not recommended for use when mineralised drenches or potentially dangerous drugs are being administered.

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