Body composition assessment in horses using bioimpedance spectroscopy.

The research looked into using Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS), a technique used typically for humans, to determine the body composition of horses. The results suggested that while the technique showed practicality, its limitations in predicting the body composition of individual horses may hinder its practical use.

Objective of the Research

• The primary aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS) in identifying body composition in horses. This technique is widely used in humans, and the researchers wanted to examine its applicability to large animals such as horses.
• The study also set out to derive resistivity coefficients and body proportion factors specific for horses as these parameters aren’t readily available.

Methodology

• Both whole-body impedance measurements and determinations of total body water volume (TBW) and extracellular water volume (ECW) were performed on a group of 35 standardbred horses ranging from yearlings to 14 years of age. TBW was determined by deuterium dilution, and ECW was determined by bromide dilution.
• A separate group of 38 mixed-breed horses of varying age and sex was used to determine body proportion factors (Kb).

Findings

• The study derived mean apparent resistivity coefficients of 511.4 and 1415.9 ohm.cm for intracellular water and TBW, respectively. The Kb was determined to be 1.52 ± 0.1.
• Using these derived coefficients, the researchers found that TBW and fat-free mass could be predicted within limits of agreement (2SD) of ± 11.6%. However, the mean fat-free mass and fat mass were underestimated and overestimated by 3.1% and 14.1%, respectively, compared to reference values. These differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

• The findings suggest that BIS can be practically applied to determine body composition in horses.
• However, due to the wide limits of agreement, especially concerning fat mass, the effectiveness of BIS in predicting body composition in individual horses could be limited.