Alaskan moose measurements and weights and measurement–weight relationships

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Abstract
A total of 1329 Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) were measured for total length, 1340 for chest girth, 1317 for hind foot, 618 for shoulder height, and 1219 for ear length. Five hundred and four moose were weighed. These data were classified by sex, age, month sampled, and location. Growth rates were plotted and discussed. No morphometric differences were detected by sex and location classifications up to age 36 months. Location differences were detected which corresponded to general condition, productivity, and condition related blood parameters of the populations. Seasonal weight patterns demonstrated increases from 21 to 55% from spring to late fall. Measurements, particularly total lengths, were better indicators of growth rate than were weights. All body measurements were significantly correlated with weight: total length, r (correlation coefficient) = 0.94; chest girth, r = 0.90; shoulder height, r = 0.87; and hind foot, r = 0.81. Combined sex regression equations were derived because the slight differences between the male and female regression lines were unimportant in field application. These regression equations were as follows: weight (kilograms) = −239.7 + 2.07(total length); weight (kilograms) = −245.3 + 3.14(chest girth).

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