Body Composition Analysis of Animals
A Handbook of Non-Destructive Methods

An evaluation and assessment of advances in the analysis of animal body composition.

John R. Speakman (Edited by)

9780521663380, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 2 August 2001

254 pages, 29 b/w illus. 21 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.54 kg

'… a well-structured book that provides a sufficiently complete overview of methods for the analysis of body composition that are potentially applicable to field studies of wild animals … a worthy addition to the library stacks and your own personal library.' Donald Thomas, Journal of Experimental Biology

There have been substantial developments in the methodologies available for the non-destructive and non-invasive measurement of body composition in animals. By bringing together in a single volume a mix of traditional and well-established analytical methods with more modern techniques, Body Composition Analysis: A Handbook of Non-destructive Methods provides a theoretical overview of different methodologies combined with practical advice on the use of these techniques. Methods covered include the use of destructive methods of analysis, body condition indices, isotope and gas dilution methods, total body electrical conductivity, bio-impedance analysis, ultrasound scanning and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Aimed at active research workers from advanced undergraduate level upwards, this book will be of particular interest to those working in the fields of animal ecology, conservation biology, animal nutrition and physiology.

Introduction J. R. Speakman
1. Morphological indices of body condition: useful or wishful thinking? J. P. Hayes and J. S. Shonkwiler
2. Standard destructive methods of body composition analysis D. S. Reynolds and T. H. Kunz
3. The use of isotope dilution methods for the measurement of body composition J. R. Speakman, G. H. Visser, S. Ward and E. Król
4. Gas dilution methods for measurement of body composition B. Henen
5. The use of total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) to determine body composition of vertebrates I. Scott, C. Selman, P. I. Mitchell and P. R. Evans
6. The use of bio-electrical impedance analyses (BIA) for estimation of body composition W. van Marken Lichtenbelt
7. The assessment of body condition and other parameters by ultrasound imaging J. M. Starck, M. Dietz and T. Piersma
8. The use of dual X-ray absorptiometry for the measurement of body composition T. R. Nagy.

Subject Areas: Animal ecology [PSVS], Animal physiology [PSVD], Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Veterinary medicine [MZ]