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Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2016; 58(Suppl 1); 59; doi: 10.1186/s13028-016-0240-5

Body condition score, morphometric measurements and estimation of body weight in mature Icelandic horses in Denmark.

Abstract: Obesity is related to the development of several diseases like insulin resistance and laminitis in horses. The prevalence of obesity among mature Icelandic horses in Denmark has not been investigated previously. This study aimed to find the prevalence of obesity, to compare body condition score (BCS) based on owner perception with that of an experienced person and to correlate the BCS to body weight (BW) and morphometric measures in a group of mature Icelandic horses in Denmark. A total of 254 Icelandic horses (≥4 years; 140 geldings, 105 mares, 9 stallions) from 46 different farms were included. All horses were assigned a BCS on a scale from 1 to 9 (1 is poor, 5 is moderate and 9 is extremely fat) by their owner and by an experienced person. Two weight tapes were used to assess BW. Girth circumference (GC), neck circumference (NC) and height at withers (HW) were measured, and the GC:HW and NC:HW ratios were calculated. Results: Categorising the horses into four groups, 5.9 % were underweight (BCS 3-4), 70.1 % were optimal (BCS 5-6), 13.8 % were overweight (BCS 7) and 10.2 % were obese (BCS 8-9). The GC:HW and NC:HW ratios increased with increasing BCS, as did the BW estimated with the weight tapes. A GC:HW ratio >1.21 might indicate overweight or obesity in Icelandic horses. Horse owners underestimated the BCS of their horses compared to an experienced person. Conclusions: The results from this study show that 24.0 % of mature Icelandic horses in Denmark are overweight or obese, and that owners tend to underestimate the BCS of their Icelandic horses. The GC:HW ratio might indicate overweight or obesity, however, the ratio for Icelandic horses is different than reported for horses and ponies of other breeds.
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Publication Date: 2016-10-20 PubMed ID: 27766968PubMed Central: PMC5073991DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0240-5Google 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 research explores the prevalence of obesity in mature Icelandic horses in Denmark, the discrepancy between owner-perceived and expert-assessed body condition score (BCS), and the relationship between BCS and estimated body weight (BW) and certain body measurements. It reveals an obesity rate of 24.0%, with horse owners often underestimating their horse’s BCS, and provides a potential obesity indicator unique to Icelandic horses.

Research Objective and Methodology

  • The study’s primary aims were to evaluate the prevalence of obesity in mature Icelandic horses in Denmark, compare owner-perceived BCS to that assessed by an experienced figure, and investigate the correlation between BCS, BW, and morphometric measurements.
  • 254 Icelandic horses, including geldings, mares, and stallions, across 46 different farms were included in the study.
  • Each horse had a BCS assigned on a scale of 1-9, independently by its owner and an experienced evaluator. Their weight was estimated using two different weight tapes, while their girth circumference (GC), neck circumference (NC), and height at the withers (HW) were measured. The ratios of GC:HW and NC:HW were subsequently calculated.

Research Findings

  • Around 5.9% of horses were underweight, 70.1% had optimal weight, 13.8% were overweight, and 10.2% were obese.
  • The GC:HW ratio, NC:HW ratio, and estimated BW increased consecutively with BCS.
  • A GC:HW ratio higher than 1.21 was found to potentially indicate overweight or obesity in Icelandic horses.
  • Owners tended to underestimate their horse’s BCS compared to the experienced evaluator. Thus, indicating a need for better owner education regarding equine obesity and its potential health risks.

Conclusion

  • The study revealed that around a quarter (24.0%) of mature Icelandic horses in Denmark are overweight or obese.
  • There was a discrepancy between owner-assigned and expert-assessed BCS, suggesting that horse owners generally underestimate their horses’ body condition.
  • The researchers suggested that the GC:HW ratio, unlike other horse breeds, could provide a potential obesity indicator for Icelandic horses. Yet, further study would be required to validate this method and establish clear benchmarks.

Cite This Article

APA
Jensen RB, Danielsen SH, Tauson AH. (2016). Body condition score, morphometric measurements and estimation of body weight in mature Icelandic horses in Denmark. Acta Vet Scand, 58(Suppl 1), 59. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-016-0240-5

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 1751-0147
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 58
Issue: Suppl 1
Pages: 59

Researcher Affiliations

Jensen, Rasmus B
  • Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Danielsen, Signe H
  • Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Tauson, Anne-Helene
  • Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark. aht@sund.ku.dk.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Husbandry / standards
  • Animals
  • Body Composition
  • Body Weight
  • Body Weights and Measures / veterinary
  • Denmark
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / veterinary

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