Studies on the growth of rabbits by X-ray computerised tomography
Romvári, R.; Szendrö, Z.; Horn, P.
Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 44(2): 135-144
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0236-6290 PMID: 8908736 Document Number: 460787
Serial computed tomography scans were taken from the scapular arch to the end of the femur on groups of Pannon White rabbits weighing 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 kg (5 animals per group). 24 scans per animal were made on each animal. Three-dimensional histograms were constructed using a scale between -200 and +200 Houndsfield units (HU), representing the serial number of the scan on the x axis, pixel density (in HU) on the y axis, and the frequency of density values on the z axis. Peaks on the histograms corresponded to the scapular arch, the longissimus dorsi and the hindleg muscles. Fat depots were also clearly demonstrated, with different peaks in the scapular, abdominal and pelvic regions. The volumes and anatomical locations of fat and muscle tissue were determined. An abrupt increase in fat content was observed between 2.5 and 3.5 kg body weight.