EVALUATION OF SEVERAL INDEXES FOR ASSESSMENT OF COYOTE (CANIS LATRANS) BODY-COMPOSITION

The body composition of 27 coyotes (Canis latrans) of different ages a nd both sexes was determined on the basis of chemical analyses of homo genized samples of viscera, carcass, and skin. Regression analyses wer e used to identify the best indices for estimating fat (lipid reserves ), protein, and water body contents. A combined index based on the kid ney fat index and the percentage of femur marrow fat was the best indi cator of fat reserves. Body mass (whole or skinned carcass) and evisce rated carcass mass were the best predictors of total body protein and total body water contents. A combination of indices is proposed to pro vide postmortem or in vivo estimates of coyote body composition.