Validation of a body condition scoring system in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): assessment of body composition by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

摘要: Body condition scoring (BCS) is a subjective semiquantitative method of assessing body fat and muscle by palpation key anatomic features. A previously published BCS system for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) uses scale comprising both whole half units, in which the midrange represents optimal (3.0), lower values represent emaciated to lean conditions (1.0 2.0), higher (4.0 5.0) indicate excessive fat. valid well described, relevant species, has agreement within between raters, consistent with objective measures. Here we correlate assigned during physical exam percentage as determined dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Adult monkeys from an indoor-housed breeding colony were evaluated veterinary staff 1 9 score groups give minimum 6 animals each group. DEXA was used obtain composition measurements Animals ‘optimal’ group (3.0) had 25% on average. Each full unit change associated approximate 10% 2.0-to-5.0 range. Absolute 1.0 or 1.5 may be too low accurate assessment DEXA.