Fetal Growth Rate Estimation from Length and Date of Death

Abstract

Stochastic simulation revealed that linear regression offetallength on date of death allows accurate prediction of the fetal growth rate of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Precision improved with increased sampling intensity, wider sampling period, narrower conception distribution, and systematic over random sampling. Bias resulted from extension of sampling towards conception or parturition, and increased with wider conception distribution and for systematic sampling. To utilize this technique, attention should be paid to sample size, sampling period, and distribution of conception.