New body fat indexing method developed for horses
A new body fat scoring method has been developed for horses, which works in a similar way to the body mass index used in humans.
The new Body Condition Index (BCI) was developed following a study involving obesity in horses and ponies by the University of Melbourne, Australia, in collaboration with the Waltham Equine Studies Group.
The study followed the finding from last year’s National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) that obesity in horses had doubled from the previous year, to 16.9% of cases. The survey, conducted by the Blue Cross, was completed by 3669 horse UK owners in May 2014. It contained 25 questions on general horse health, care and management.
British horse feed manufacturer Spillers, which uses Waltham’s research to develop its feeds, said its own study of predominantly outdoor living horses and ponies found an even higher prevalence of obesity: nearly 30% coming out of the winter and around 35% in the summer.
The new Body Condition Index is designed to complement regular Body Condition Scoring (BCS), which remains an important routine tool for general weight monitoring.
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 to 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.
It provides a step up in terms of objective weight monitoring, specifically in the early stages of a weight loss programme when it has previously been shown a BCS may not change, most likely because the horse or pony is initially losing internal fat, which does not show on the outside. 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.
Obesity presents many health risks including the Equine Metabolic Syndrome and an increased risk of laminitis. The NEHS also showed that only 59% of respondents assess their horse’s weight regularly, using weigh tapes and body condition scoring.
The study will be presented at the Equine Science Society (ESS) symposium, in Florida from May 26 to 29.
To date the Waltham Equine Studies Group 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 % 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 programmes more effectively and this means healthier horses!”
References
Derivation of a new body condition index to estimate body fat percentage from morphometric measurements: comparison with body condition score, Samantha Potter, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Pat Harris, WALTHAM Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Leicestershire, UK, & Simon Bailey, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, to be presented at the Equine Science Symposium May 2015 Florida
Giles SL, Rands SA, Nicol CJ & Harris PA (2014). Obesity prevalence and associated risk factors in outdoor living domestic horses and ponies. PeerJ 2: e299
Dugdale A,. CurtisGC, Cripps P. Harris P., & 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
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