Fat mass compared to four body condition scoring systems in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

Captive elephant populations are not self‐sustaining due to health concerns possibly related to obesity. Categorizing obesity relies on qualitative analyses like body condition scores (BCS). However, elephant indices have not been validated against measured body composition. The objective was to compare BCS systems to body composition determined by deuterium dilution in 28 zoo‐kept Asian elephants. Elephants were weighed and given deuterated...