Body composition in vivo. VII. Relation between red cell volume and total body water in ewes

Abstract

The relationship between total body water and red cell volume was determined in a group of non-pregnant crossbred ewes, in an endeavour to obtain a method which did not necessitate the use of radioisotopes for determining body composition.

Total body water could be predicted from red cell volume. The 95% confidence interval for a mean value for total body water, predicted from the red cell volume, was ±18.8% of the mean. All other relations which can be derived between the red cell volume and other body parameters depended on this relation.

The calculation of body composition from measurements of the red cell volume is discussed.