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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2008; 179(2); 204-210; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.02.029

Apparent adiposity assessed by standardised scoring systems and morphometric measurements in horses and ponies.

Abstract: This study described a scoring system for the assessment of apparent neck adiposity and evaluated morphometric measurements for assessment of neck and overall adiposity. Twenty-one barren Thoroughbred mares, 13 Arabian geldings and 75 Welsh, Dartmoor, or crossbred pony mares, were clinically examined and blood samples analysed for insulin, glucose, leptin, and triglycerides. Bodyweight (BW), height, length, girth and abdominal circumferences, neck length, neck crest height and neck circumference were measured, and body condition scores (BCS) and cresty neck scores (CNS) were rated. Girth:height ratio had the strongest associations with BCS (r(s)=0.64, P<0.001 in horses; r(s)=0.83, P<0.001 in ponies) and blood variables, such as leptin (r(s)=0.39, P=0.024 in horses; r(s)=0.68, P0.50, P<0.01) and blood variables, such as insulin (r(s)0.40, P<0.05). Cresty neck score was useful in the assessment of neck crest adiposity and had physiological relevance, as demonstrated by associations with blood variables. Girth:height was the most suitable morphometric for assessment of overall adiposity, and either crest height or neck circumference:height was a suitable morphometric for assessment of apparent neck adiposity.
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Publication Date: 2008-04-28 PubMed ID: 18440844DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.02.029Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study explores a scoring system to evaluate horse and pony fat levels, specifically on their necks, and assesses the reliability of physical measurements for determining overall and neck-specific fat levels. It found that the girth-to-height ratio was a good indicator of overall fat, while crest height or neck circumference-to-height ratio worked well for gauging neck fat levels.

Objective of the Study

  • This research aimed to develop a scoring system to assess the visible fat build-up, or adiposity, particularly in the neck region of horses and ponies.
  • It further aimed to validate the use of physical or morphometric measurements for approximating both neck and overall body fat in these animals.

Study Methods

  • The study was conducted on 21 barren Thoroughbred mares, 13 Arabian geldings, and 75 Welsh, Dartmoor, or crossbred pony mares.
  • Besides clinical examination, blood samples from the subjects were analyzed for insulin, glucose, leptin, and triglyceride levels.
  • Bodyweight, height, length, girth and abdominal circumference, neck length, neck crest height, and neck circumference were measured.
  • Body Condition Scores (BCS) and Cresty Neck Scores (CNS) were given for every animal.

Results and Findings

  • The girth-to-height ratio showed a strong association with Body Condition Scores (indicating overall fat levels) and leptin levels in horse and pony blood.
  • Crest height and neck-to-height ratio were strongly tied to Cresty Neck Scores and insulin levels in blood, indicative of the accumulation of fat in the neck region.
  • The Cresty Neck Score proved effective in assessing the fat accumulation in the horse’s neck crest. It also showed physiological relevance with its association with blood parameters.

Conclusions

  • The girth-to-height ratio appeared as the most reliable physical measurement for assessing overall body fat in horses and ponies.
  • Either the crest height or the neck circumference-to-height ratio proved reliable for estimating visibly accumulated fat in the neck.

Cite This Article

APA
Carter RA, Geor RJ, Burton Staniar W, Cubitt TA, Harris PA. (2008). Apparent adiposity assessed by standardised scoring systems and morphometric measurements in horses and ponies. Vet J, 179(2), 204-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.02.029

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 179
Issue: 2
Pages: 204-210

Researcher Affiliations

Carter, Rebecca A
  • Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. brusso@vt.edu
Geor, Raymond J
    Burton Staniar, W
      Cubitt, Tania A
        Harris, Pat A

          MeSH Terms

          • Adiposity / physiology
          • Animals
          • Anthropometry
          • Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary
          • Body Composition / physiology
          • Body Constitution / physiology
          • Female
          • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
          • Horses / anatomy & histology
          • Horses / blood
          • Horses / physiology
          • Male
          • Obesity / diagnosis
          • Obesity / veterinary

          Citations

          This article has been cited 93 times.
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