Open Access
Research (Published online: 28-06-2022)
21. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis for modeling regression and predicting body fat accumulation in dogs in East Thailand
Peera Arreesrisom, Thanmaporn Phichitrasilp, Nattakarn Naimon, Supochana Charoensin, Worawut Rerkamnuaychoke, Jumrueang Panpiansil and Thitichai Jarudecha
Veterinary World, 15(6): 1566-1574

Peera Arreesrisom: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd, Ladyaow, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand.
Thanmaporn Phichitrasilp: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd, Ladyaow, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand.
Nattakarn Naimon: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd, Ladyaow, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand.
Supochana Charoensin: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd, Ladyaow, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand.
Worawut Rerkamnuaychoke: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, 43 Moo 6 Bangpra, Sriracha, Chonburi, Thailand.
Jumrueang Panpiansil: Mueangchonsattawarak Co. Ltd., 843/2, 843/70, Soi Taladmai Bankhod, Mueang Chonburi, Thailand.
Thitichai Jarudecha: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd, Ladyaow, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2022.1566-1574

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Article history: Received: 11-01-2022, Accepted: 12-05-2022, Published online: 28-06-2022

Corresponding author: Thitichai Jarudecha

E-mail: thitichai.j@ku.th

Citation: Arreesrisom P, Phichitrasilp T, Naimon N, Charoensin S, Rerkamnuaychoke W, Panpiansil J, Jarudecha T (2022) Using bioelectrical impedance analysis for modeling regression and predicting body fat accumulation in dogs in East Thailand, Veterinary World, 15(6): 1566–1574.
Abstract

Background and Aim: Obesity in dogs leads to several health problems, such as premature death, and contributes to other diseases. Recently, body fat percentage has been considered to represent the body condition of dogs, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is the most effective method for accurately measuring body fat in dogs. In Thailand, information on the body condition of dogs is limited, and there is no standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs. This study was designed to evaluate and analyze the body fat percentage in dogs through BIA using a handheld instrument. The results of this study can help enhance the quality of life and health of dogs and aid in setting a standard body fat level for Thai or mongrel dogs.

Materials and Methods: The body fat percentage of 340 Thai and mongrel dogs in East Thailand was measured in the standing position, and the body condition score (BCS) (range, 1–5), sex, sterilization status, age, type of diet, and lifestyle were recorded. A linear regression model was developed to compare the variables and the predicted body fat percentage, and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the factors for body fat increment.

Results: The linear regression model used to estimate the percentage of body fat (y) for each BCS (x) was y = 0.84 + 8.36x (R2 = 0.7219; p < 0.0001); the average body fat percentage was 27.52% for all studied dogs; specifically, 24.83% for the Thai Bangkaew, 26.42% for the Thai Ridgeback, and 27.65% for mongrels. The median body fat percentage was significantly higher in female than in male dogs. We found that as age increases, body fat percentage also increases; this increasing trend begins at the age of 5 years. However, increasing the level of activity and decreasing meal frequency leads to an increase in body fat percentage in neutered male dogs.

Conclusion: The average body fat percentage of dogs in East Thailand is 27.52% and this value is expected to increase when these dogs reach the age of 5 years. BIA is a valid and effective measurement tool for detecting the body fat percentage in dogs.

Keywords: bioelectric impedance analysis, body fat, dog, Thailand.