Serial DXA Bone and Soft Tissue Estimations in Growing Sheep
Christopher G. Schultz
Department of Nuclear Medicine, P.E.T and Bone Densitometry, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, Australia.
Jodie Dier
Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Timothy R. Kuchel
Preclinical Imaging and Research Laboratories, S.A. Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Robert J. Moore
The Adelaide Centre for Spinal Research, S.A. Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Barry E. Chatterton *
Department of Nuclear Medicine, P.E.T and Bone Densitometry, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, Australia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to establish the typical rate of skeletal mineralisation in the growing sheep. The sheep (size, ease of handling, cost and bone physiology) is establishing itself as an appropriate model for bone research.
Materials and Methods: Body composition including bone density at 4 time points in the first two years was performed using DXA on a cohort of 14 developing lambs, as well as measurements in comparable adult sheep.
Results: Adult levels of bone density are reached by 18 months and lean body mass by 2 years in sheep.
Conclusions: Depending on the indications for studying bone and other metabolism in sheep, the rate of development should be considered in selecting the age group of experimental animals.
Keywords: Bone densitometry, sheep, growth, normal range, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.