Regression equations for estimating hepatic lipid content of chicks and hens by moisture determination

Livers from 283 Leghorn laying hens and 162 male Leghorn chicks (some of which had been injected with estradiol) were analyzed for lipid (Y) and moisture (X) content. Moisture was highly significantly correlated with lipids (r = -.975 for hens and r = -.964 for chicks). The intercepts and slopes for the two populations were significantly different (P less than .01). Linear regression equations of Y = 95.05 -1.22X for hens and Y = 102.5 -1.33X for chicks were obtained. It is concluded that liver moisture content can be used to estimate liver lipid content but that age or reproductive state of the birds may influence the relationship between the two components of the liver.