Objective Equine Body Condition Evaluation System Detailed in New Research

Parallel System to Human Body Mass Index Developed for Horses

The Equine Science Symposium gets underway in St. Petersburg, Florida this weekend. University researchers and their students are traveling from around the world to present their new research in the areas of nutrition, reproduction, exercise physiology, and genetics.

Almost 200 oral abstracts and posters will be heard and seen, along with more formal lectures.

One presentation that catches the eye announces a method for evaluating a horse’s body condition using a system similar to the “body mass index” (BMI) score used in human medicine. This could be helpful in recognizing and preventing obesity in horses and ponies, especially as it relates to preventing laminitis. 

The new study, conducted by the University of Melbourne, Australia, in collaboration with the WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group in England, proposes a more effective practical way to monitor body fat and weight loss1 via a new Body Condition Index (BCI). 

The new system should enhance the value of Body Condition Scoring (BCS), which remains an important routine tool for general weight monitoring. 

In last year’s National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) in Great Britain, overweight horses or ponies were recorded in 16.9% of cases, which was more than double the previous year’s figure of 7.8%.* 

In the researchers’ own study of predominantly outdoor living horses and ponies, they found an even higher prevalence of obesity: nearly 30% of horses coming out of the winter and around 35% of horses in the summer.2 Obesity presents many health risks including Equine Metabolic Syndrome and an increased risk of laminitis. The NEHS also showed that only 59% of respondents assess their horse’s weight regularly, by using weigh tapes and body condition scoring.

Accurate assessment of fat deposits can help to identify levels of obesity and enable monitoring of weight loss. While body condition scoring is reasonably accurate and is a valuable way of keeping track of weight on a routine basis, especially when carried out by experienced investigators, it is subjective and therefore potentially less accurate for many owners or inexperienced assessors.

The aim of the study was to develop a body condition index (BCI), similar to the body mass index (BMI) used in humans, based on objective body measurements that correlated well with actual body fat percentage. The study involved 22 adult horses and ponies of mixed breeding with body condition scores ranging from 4 to 8.5 out of 9. Body fat percentage was accurately determined using a proven scientific method and an objective body condition index was derived based on repeated measurements of heart girth, belly girth, body length, neck circumference and height at the withers. 

Body condition scoring (by experienced investigators) correlated reasonably well with body fat and the new objective BCI also gave a similar good correlation. 

The new Body Condition Index is designed to complement regular Body Condition Scoring. It provides a step up in terms of objective weight monitoring, specifically in the early stages of a weight loss program when research has previously shown that a BCS may not change, most likely because the horse or pony is initially losing internal fat, which does not show on the outside.3 With longer-term use the new BCI may also help owners to check their accuracy of body condition scoring and become more confident and efficient with it.

To date the WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group, which provides the science behind the SPILLERS® brand, has conducted more than 20 research projects over the past 10 years, looking at all aspects of laminitis including investigating the role that obesity can play in the development of the condition. This work not only aims to build knowledge but also to give practical support to owners of susceptible animals.

Clare Barfoot, Registered Nutritionist at SPILLERS® said: “The new index is a very promising tool for a more objective estimation of body fat percentage in the field. It could be especially useful if horses and ponies are assessed by more than one person, particularly if they are not experienced at body condition scoring. A more accurate way of monitoring fat, used in conjunction with body condition scoring, should make it easier for owners to manage weight loss programs more effectively and this means healthier horses!”

References

1Derivation of a new body condition index to estimate body fat percentage from morphometric measurements: comparison with body condition score: 

Samantha Potter, Pat Harris, and Simon Bailey. This research will be presented at the Equine Science Symposium this weekend in Florida.

2Giles SL, Rands SA, Nicol CJ and Harris PA (2014). Obesity prevalence and associated risk factors in outdoor living domestic horses and ponies. PeerJ 2: e299

3Dugdale A, Curtis GC, Cripps P, Harris P, and Argo CMcG (2010) Effect of dietary restriction on body condition, composition and welfare of overweight and obese pony mares. Equine Veterinary Journal 42 (7) 600 – 610

*The National Equine Health Survey, conducted by the Blue Cross, was completed by 3,669 British horse owners in May 2014. The survey contained 25 questions on general horse health, care and management and was validated by Professor Josh Slater of the Royal Veterinary College.

For more information on how to manage your horse’s weight visit www.spillers-feeds.com in Great Britain. In the USA, Spillers is associated with Buckeye Feeds.

Archival political cartoon art via Library of Congress and Wikimedia Commons. Information for this article was provided by Spillers, with additional information from the Equine Science Society.

CATEGORIES

TAGS

SHARE THIS STORY

Related Posts

COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL88
Do right by your retired horse
COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL87
Tame your horse’s anxiety
COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL86 Winter Care_fnl_Page_1
Get ready for winter!
COVER EQUUS Key 14 Equestrian Vacations_fnl_Page_1
Equestrian vacations

NEWSLETTER

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.