Estimation of the liveweight of working mules in Morocco from their body measurements

摘要

During March 2001, 117 working mules, randomly chosen from four markets in Morocco, were weighed and a series of body measurements recorded; their age and body condition score were also recorded. Linear regression techniques were used to derive a 'best fit' equation for predicting liveweight from the other variables. For the working mules weighing between 131 and 391 kg the best prediction equation using two variables was: liveweight (kg) = -33+2(.)8 x heart girth (cm)+1(.)36 x length (cm). Other prediction equations available for estimating the liveweight of equidae were tested on the data, but in all cases they significantly overestimated the weights of the Moroccan mules.