Intelligent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (iDXA) and small animal scanning as a useful tool to measure...

Accurately assessing the bone mineralization status of birds is crucial for poultry production and wild bird studies. We investigated the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using Small Animal Measurement software to measure bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in excised radii of the willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) as a bird model. Our exploratory tests involved 117 scans to evaluate scanning parameters, scanning board types, bone stabilization, scan mode and size, and region of interest placement. Results indicated that mean BMC or aBMD were each significantly different when scanned on a forearm positioner board than a dissecting board (P < 0.0001). We found no significant differences in means when stabilizing bones with tape (P = 0.09), however unsecured bones moved from scanner vibrations. Among choices of small, medium, and large scan modes, significant differences in measurements resulted (P < 0.0001). A significant difference between the scan size choice resulted for BMC (P < 0.001) but not aBMD (P = 0.73) resulted. Use of quadrilateral versus manual edge placement of region of interests was significantly different (P_BMC = 0.002; P_aBMD = 0.0001). We demonstrate that precise and reproducible measurements are achieved when bones are stabilized, scanned on a thin, smooth forearm positioner, utilizing a small scan mode, and with manually adjusted ROI edges. We offer practical guidance on scanning methods and discuss the suitability of iDXA as a reliable, non-destructive research method in poultry science and management studies.