Correlation of Morphometric Traits and BCS with Body Weight in Timor Deer.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between morphometric traits and body condition score with body weight in adult Timor deer (Cervus timorensis) at the Jatilengger Deer Captive Breeding, Blitar Regency. The research used a quantitative approach with descriptive and correlational methods involving 47 healthy adult deer, consisting of males and females, observed directly in the field. The measured variables were body length, body height, chest girth, body weight, and body condition score. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and simple linear regression. The results showed that adult male deer had an average body length of 78.7 centimeters, body height of 75.0 centimeters, chest girth of 92.7 centimeters, body weight of 77.4 kilograms, and body condition score of 3.12, indicating an ideal body form. Adult females had smaller measurements, with averages of 66.5 centimeters for body length, 62.4 centimeters for body height, 70.5 centimeters for chest girth, 45.2 kilograms for body weight, and 2.5 for body condition score, reflecting a moderate physical condition. Statistical analysis indicated a significant relationship between morphometric traits and body condition score with body weight, with chest girth showing the strongest influence. These findings suggest that chest girth can be used as a reliable predictor for estimating body weight in Timor deer, while body condition score provides useful information about the nutritional and physiological condition of the animals.