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BMC veterinary research2015; 11; 13; doi: 10.1186/s12917-015-0327-7

Assessing the seasonal prevalence and risk factors for nuchal crest adiposity in domestic horses and ponies using the Cresty Neck Score.

Abstract: Nuchal crest adiposity in horses and ponies has been associated with an enhanced risk of metabolic health problems. However, there is no current information on the prevalence of, and risk factors specific to, nuchal crest adiposity in horses and ponies. In addition, the cresty neck score has not previously been utilised across different seasons within a UK leisure population, it is not know whether nuchal crest adiposity shows the same seasonal trends as general obesity. Results: A Cresty Neck Score (CNS, 0-5) was given to 96 horses with access to pasture (>6 h per day) at the end of winter and at the end of summer in order to obtain two prevalence estimates. Risk factors were assessed using the single outcome cresty neck/no cresty neck in either season (binary), from owner questionnaires and analysed using a mixed effects logistic regression model (outcome variable CNS <3 or CNS ≥3/5). Agreement between winter and summer scores was assessed using weighted Kappa methods. Winter CNS values were significantly higher than summer CNS values (p = 0.002) indicating a systematic bias. The prevalence of a CNS ≥ 3/5 was 45.83% at the end of winter, falling to 33.33% at the end of summer and was higher in ponies (<14.2 hh) than horses (≥14.2 hh) in both seasons. This may reflect a real winter increase in regional fat deposition, or an increased difficulty in obtaining an accurate estimate of regional adiposity in winter months. Breed was the strongest risk factor for CNS ≥3/5 in both seasons, with native UK breeds appearing to be most at risk (p < 0.001). In a separate, small validation study, the CNS showed good inter-observer reliability. Conclusions: The prevalence of a CNS ≥3/5 was higher at the end of winter than at the end of summer, which was the opposite pattern seasonal variation to that observed for general obesity. Further studies are required to investigate the potential influence of time of year upon CNS interpretation and studies utilising the CNS should consider potential seasonal variability in nuchal crest adiposity.
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Publication Date: 2015-01-31 PubMed ID: 25636243PubMed Central: PMC4347557DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0327-7Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The research discusses the prevalence of nuchal crest adiposity, or fat accumulation, in domestic horses and ponies across different seasons, using the Cresty Neck Score (CNS). The study indicates that nuchal crest adiposity is more common at the end of winter compared to the end of summer, and that certain breeds are more at risk.

Overview and Methodology

  • The research was done to assess the seasonal prevalence and risk factors of nuchal crest adiposity, a condition defined by excessive fat deposits on the neck of horses, using the Cresty Neck Score (CNS). Nuchal crest adiposity can potentially lead to metabolic health problems in horses.
  • The Cresty Neck Score (CNS) ranged between 0 and 5. Two prevalence estimates were obtained by applying the CNS to 96 horses with pasture access for over 6 hours a day at the end of winter and the end of summer.
  • Risk factors were evaluated using the binary outcome of cresty neck/no cresty neck in either season, derived from owner questionnaires. These factors were analyzed using a mixed effects logistic regression model. The model’s outcome variable was compared between horses with a CNS below 3 or a CNS of more than or equal to 3 out of 5.
  • The consistency between winter and summer scores was evaluated using weighted Kappa methods.

Results

  • The study found that winter CNS values were higher than summer CNS values, indicating a potential issue with bias. The higher prevalence at the end of winter might be due to increased regional fat deposition or it might be harder to obtain an accurate estimate of regional adiposity during winter months.
  • The prevalence of a CNS of 3 or more was found to be 45.83% at the end of winter, which reduced to 33.33% at the end of summer. Ponies were more prone to a higher CNS than horses in both seasons.
  • Breed emerged as a significant risk factor for a CNS of 3 or more. Native UK breeds were found to be most at risk.
  • A smaller, distinct study confirmed the CNS’s reliability in yielding consistent results across different observers.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that nuchal crest adiposity was more prevalent at the end of winter compared to the end of summer. This pattern contrasted with the seasonal variation typically observed for general obesity.
  • The researchers suggested further studies to explore the influence of the time of year on the interpretation of the CNS. They recommended considering potential seasonal variability when conducting studies employing the Cresty Neck Score.

Cite This Article

APA
Giles SL, Nicol CJ, Rands SA, Harris PA. (2015). Assessing the seasonal prevalence and risk factors for nuchal crest adiposity in domestic horses and ponies using the Cresty Neck Score. BMC Vet Res, 11, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0327-7

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Pages: 13

Researcher Affiliations

Giles, Sarah L
  • School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK. sarah.giles@bristol.ac.uk.
Nicol, Christine J
  • School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK. c.j.nicol@bristol.ac.uk.
Rands, Sean A
  • School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Life Science Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK. sean.rands@bristol.ac.uk.
Harris, Patricia A
  • WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Equine Studies Group, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, LE14 4RT, Melton Mowbray, UK. pat.harris@effem.com.

MeSH Terms

  • Adiposity / physiology
  • Animals
  • Body Composition
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horses / physiology
  • Male
  • Neck
  • Obesity / diagnosis
  • Obesity / veterinary
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • United Kingdom

Grant Funding

  • BB/H01568X/1 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

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Citations

This article has been cited 14 times.
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