Morphometric measurements to estimate body mass and composition.

Stepwise forward multiple regressions using morphometric measurements to estimate total body mass (MT) and lipid mass (TBLHTO; absolute kg and as %MT). Factors that were included in each model are shown under the estimated parameter. Each step is shown to elucidate which measurements should be taken preferentially, if animal handling time is limited (all P<0.001). * =  Note that the additional parameter in this model had slightly increased the variance inflation factor, and the variance in the coefficients. All lengths, girths, and blubber depths were measured in cm, and when season is a significant parameter, the coefficient should be multiplied by “0” for January and “1” for October study animals. Root-square-mean-error (RMSE) of models is presented as absolute (kg) and as a percentage of the study’s mean MT or TBLHTO.