Just published Open Access in Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology 2014;7(2): 5-13 It can be downloaded by going to: http://www.oers.ca/journal/volume7/issue2/scientific1.pdf Body Condition Scoring System for Delphinids Based on Short-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) Melissa J. Joblon1, Mark A. Pokras1, Brendan Morse3, Charles T. Harry2, Kathryn S. Rose2, Sarah M. Sharp1, Misty E. Niemeyer2, Kristen M. Patchett2, W. Brian Sharp2, Michael J. Moore4 1 Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA 2 International Fund for Animal Welfare, Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Division, 290 Summer St., Yarmouth Port, MA 02675, USA 3 Bridgewater State University, Department of Psychology, 131 Summer St., Bridgewater, MA 02325, USA 4 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 86 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA Abstract Assessment of body condition is critical for examination of live and dead dolphins. Using live and dead stranded and dead bycaught short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from New England waters, a simple, practical body condition scoring (BCS) system was developed that has utility for all delphinid species. Using photographs, a non-invasive, 4-point visual scale was created based on anatomical landmarks which are indicative of body condition and emaciation. The consistency of using this BCS system was tested via a blind study with five trained and experienced stranding responders independently scoring a subset of D. delphis cases (n=30) using photo documentation only, and results showed a significant level of agreement among observers. Specific morphometric data relating to body condition were analyzed to determine parameters which, in association with the clinical evaluation of the animal, may be indicative of potential success after release during a live stranding event. Results showed a significant difference in length-to-girth ratios in both the axilla and anterior dorsal fin regions between animals which were released (mean for axilla: single stranded 1.75, mass stranded 1.76; mean for dorsal fin: single stranded 1.79, mass stranded 1.76) and those that died or were deemed unreleasable and euthanized (mean for axilla: single stranded 2.03, mass stranded 1.99; mean for dorsal fin: single stranded 1.99, mass stranded 1.87). Future studies are needed to validate the BCS system and its ability to predict such morphometric parameters and relative health. Use of this BCS system will allow for consistency in determining body condition in delphinid species, thus enabling stranding response agencies to better compare data relating to health and nutritional status in these animals. [JMATE 2014;7(2): 5-13] Michael Moore mmoore@whoi.edu