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A comparison of techniques used to estimate body condition of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina)

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 13:10 authored by Tierney, M, Mark HindellMark Hindell, Mary-Anne LeaMary-Anne Lea, Tollit, D
The total body water (TBW) and body condition of 86 female southern elephant seals was estimated from tritiated water (HTO) dilution space analysis. HTO blood samples were analysed using two distillation methods (direct serum counts and evaporative freeze capture) that yielded significantly different estimates. Evaporative freeze capture is recommended for use because it is faster, cheaper, and provides a more precise TBW estimate of dilution space. Estimates of TBW were then compared with those derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and morphometric models. There were significant, positive relationships between TBW and BIA variables, but the level of accuracy was inadequate for BIA to be more useful than the other methods trialled. Morphometric models accurately estimated TBW (kg). Models developed from surface area (SA) (TBW = [SA * 82.58] – 86.94) and from a combination of mass (M), length (L), and girth (G) (TBW = [(M * 0.72) + (L * 5.49) + (G * 134.94) + 164.36)] provided the most accurate TBW estimates. In contrast, condition indices did not give accurate or reliable estimates of relative body condition.

History

Publication title

Wildlife Research

Volume

28

Issue

6

Pagination

581-588

ISSN

1035-3712

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

Copyright © 2001 CSIRO.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems

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