Vet World Vol.14 January-2021 Article-33
Research Article
Veterinary World, 14(1): 259-264
https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2021.259-264
Evaluator effect on the ultrasound measurement of subcutaneous fat deposition and loin eye area from weaning to slaughter lambs
2. University Center of Grande Dourados - UNIGRAN, Dourados, MS, 79824-900, Brazil.
3. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción Filial Pedro Juan Caballero, Pedro Juan Caballero, 79900-000, Paraguay.
Background and Aim: Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that enables animal evaluation and body condition classification of animals. Although it is not difficult to obtain an image, the analysis of this image can influence results quality. This study aimed to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of the technician trained in image interpretation obtained using different ultrasound frequencies.
Materials and Methods: Ninety-six lambs were used, ranging in weight from 15 to 40 kg. The images were captured using a linear probe of 13 cm, with a 3.5 megahertz (MHz) frequency and an acoustic couplant aid "standoff" or using a multifrequency transducer (6 and 8 MHz), on B mode, with a linear probe and 8.0 MHz frequency. All measurements were performed by the same technician, on the left side, between the 12th and 13th rib. Five different evaluators, at two different times, with aid of Image J software measured the loin eye area (LEA; only for images obtained with 3.5 MHz), Longissimus thoracis et lumborum depth (DLM), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), subcutaneous fat thickness plus skin (SFST), and skin thickness (ST).
Results: For LEA, DLM, SFT, SFST, and ST, variation was observed (p<0.01) between evaluators; however, there was no difference (p>0.05) between the 2 times of evaluation. Images measurements obtained with a frequency of 8.0 MHz had better repeatability indices and reproducibility indices. Accordingly, the identity test demonstrated that measurements performed on images obtained using 3.5 or 8.0 MHz were not equivalent.
Conclusion: Ultrasound image measurements obtained using an 8.0 MHz frequency were more accurate and precise. It is important to use only one evaluator or providing the simultaneous training for all evaluators. Keywords: accuracy, identity test, precision, repeatability, reproducibility.
Keywords: accuracy, identity test, precision, repeatability, reproducibility.
How to cite this article: Vargas Junior FM, Fernandes T, Matos AT, Fernandes ARM, Alves LGC, Rossatti JA, Britez GDV, Zagonel NGT (2021) Evaluator effect on the ultrasound measurement of subcutaneous fat deposition and loin eye area from weaning to slaughter lambs, Veterinary World, 14(1): 259-264.
Received: 18-07-2020 Accepted: 21-12-2020 Published online: 28-01-2021
Corresponding author: Fernando Miranda de Vargas Junior E-mail: fernandojunior@ufgd.edu.br
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.259-264
Copyright: Vargas Junior, et al. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http:// creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.