Methods of estimating total lipid content in the redhead duck (Aythya americana) and an evaluation of condition indices

Abstract

Methods of estimating total lipid content in the redhead duck (Aythya americana) without performing time-consuming ether extractions are presented. The relationship between various condition indices and total lipid content was investigated. Weights of the whole skin and the abdominal fat depot were easily obtained, good predictors of total body lipids. Total length was the best predictor of fat-free carcass weight.