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Equine veterinary journal2010; 42(7); 600-610; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00110.x

Effect of dietary restriction on body condition, composition and welfare of overweight and obese pony mares.

Abstract: Increased prevalence of obesity among UK horses and ponies demands evidence-based advice to promote weight loss. Objective: Restriction of dry matter intake (DMI) to 1% of body mass (BM, 67% [corrected] of predicted maintenance digestible energy [DE] requirements) would promote weight loss without compromise to health. Methods: Five mature (mean ± s.e. 10 ± 2 years), overweight/obese pony mares (BM, 257 ± 20 kg: body condition score [BCS] 6.8/9 ± 0.5) were studied over 12 weeks. Animals were individually housed. Daily provision of a chaff-based, complete diet (measured DE, 8.5 MJ/kg DM) was restricted to 1% of actual BM as DMI daily. BCS, girth measurements and ultrasound-derived measures of subcutaneous fat depth overlying the gluteal region and 12th intercostal space (rib-eye) were recorded weekly. Body fat content was estimated at the beginning and end of the study by deuterium oxide dilution methods. Clinical biochemistry was monitored weekly. Behaviour was observed (24 h, 3/5 ponies) on 3 occasions. Results: BM decreased by 4.3 ± 1.1% during the first week and thereafter by 0.7 ± 0.1% of BM at end of Week 1 each week. BCS remained constant. Heart and belly girths, rump width and subcutaneous fat depth at rib-eye decreased significantly with time and BM. Fat comprised 45 ± 19% of BM loss. Fatter animals lost relatively more fat. With decreased feeding activity, time spent in 'play' and rest increased by 36 ± 11% and 438 ± 95%, respectively. Conclusions: This plane of nutrition resulted in an overall rate of weight loss of 1% of outset BM weekly. BCS was not a useful index of early weight loss but heart and belly girths and subcutaneous rib-eye fat were identified as alternative markers. Conclusions: This study provides an evidence-base for the management of weight loss in obese animals, especially those for which exercise may be contra-indicated.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2010-09-16 PubMed ID: 20840575DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00110.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Clinical Trial
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 investigates the impact of dietary restriction on overweight and obese ponies, specifically assessing its effects on body condition, composition and overall welfare. The study shows that limiting the daily intake of dry matter to 1% of the animal’s body mass can effectively promote weight loss without compromising health.

Research Method

  • The study involved five mature, overweight/obese pony mares aged around 10 years each, over a span of 12 weeks. The ponies were kept in individual housing to ensure accurate tracking of their progress.
  • The ponies’ daily diet was restricted to 1% of their body mass, provided in the form of a chaff-based complete diet.
  • The research observed and recorded a multitude of measurements each week, including body condition score, girth measures, and ultrasound-derived measures of subcutaneous fat depth over the gluteal region and 12th intercostal space (rib-eye).
  • Body fat content was estimated at the beginning and end of the study using deuterium oxide dilution methods. Additionally, clinical biochemistry was monitored weekly.
  • The behaviour of the ponies was observed over 24 hours on three occasions to track changes in their activity levels.

Research Findings

  • The results showed that body mass decreased by 4.3 ± 1.1% during the first week, and then by 0.7 ± 0.1% each succeeding week, based on the body mass at the end of Week 1.
  • Body condition score remained consistent, however other measures like heart and belly girth and subcutaneous rib-eye fat decreased in line with time and body mass decrease.
  • Around 45 ± 19% of the body mass loss was found to be fat. The heavier the animal was at the onset, the more fat they lost during the research period.
  • As feeding activity decreased, ‘play’ and resting time of the ponies increased significantly.

Conclusions

  • The nutrition plan resulted in an overall weight loss rate of 1% of the initial body mass each week.
  • The Body Condition Score (BCS) was not found useful for tracking early weight loss, however, measures like heart, belly girths and subcutaneous rib-eye fat emerged as potential indicators.
  • The study offers evidence-based management plans for weight loss in obese animals, especially useful for those animals for whom physical exercise may not be suitable.

Cite This Article

APA
Dugdale AH, Curtis GC, Cripps P, Harris PA, Argo CM. (2010). Effect of dietary restriction on body condition, composition and welfare of overweight and obese pony mares. Equine Vet J, 42(7), 600-610. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00110.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 42
Issue: 7
Pages: 600-610

Researcher Affiliations

Dugdale, A H A
  • University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
Curtis, G C
    Cripps, P
      Harris, P A
        Argo, C McG

          MeSH Terms

          • Animal Feed / analysis
          • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
          • Animal Welfare
          • Animals
          • Body Composition
          • Diet / veterinary
          • Female
          • Food Deprivation
          • Horse Diseases / diet therapy
          • Horses
          • Obesity / diet therapy
          • Obesity / veterinary

          Grant Funding

          • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

          Citations

          This article has been cited 30 times.
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