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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Comparison of visual assessment and heart girth tape measurement for estimating the weight of cattle in clinical practice.

Journal:
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Year:
2015
Authors:
Wood, Sarah et al.
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Sciences · United Kingdom

Abstract

Estimates of the weights of dairy cattle by veterinary surgeons (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;53), stock handlers (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;42) and students (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;77) were compared with heart girth measurements, which were used as a predictor of bodyweight. Visual live weight estimation was variable in accuracy. Fifty-five per cent of weight estimates were >10% from the reference weight, and the mean absolute percentage difference for all estimates was 15% (standard deviation 15%, interquartile range 5-20%). Underestimation was more frequent at higher weights, and accuracy of estimation was lower as weight increased. Overestimation tended to occur more frequently at weights <150&#x2009;kg.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25648775/