R. Bras. Zootec.01/Dec/2017;46(12):903-9.
Estimation methods and correction factors for body weight in Mangalarga Marchador horses
DOI: 10.1590/S1806-92902017001200005
ABSTRACT
The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of six body weight (BW) estimating methods in Mangalarga Marchador horses (MM) (n = 318): method A – tape placements at three different positions around the thoracic girth; B – Crevat and Quetelec’s formula; C – Hall’s formula; D – Hintz and Griffiths’ table; E – Santos’ table; and F – Cintra’s formula. For additional analyses, gender, age, and gestational stage were considered. Estimated average BW was compared to the actual scale weight by the paired T test, mean predicted error, and determination coefficient. In the general population, methods A (position 3), B, and C estimated BW that were different from that of the scale. Method A, at positions 1 and 2, was more accurate in predicting the scale weight results compared with all other methods. For pregnant mares, the tape in positions 1 and 2 in method A did not differ from those of the scale. Method A in positions 1 and 2 and the table (method E) may be used to estimate the BW of males and females of different ages and/or gestational stages. To use Methods B and C, correction factors are necessary to precisely estimate the body weights in this breed.
Keywords: animal production; equine; foal; nutrition; pregnancy