Level of energy restriction alters body condition score and morphometric profile in obese Shetland ponies.

The article discusses a study on how different levels of energy restriction can affect the body condition and physical parameters of obese Shetland ponies. The reseachers found that higher energy restrictions led to faster decreases in body condition score and body measurements, without showing any adverse health effects such as gastric ulcers or stereotypic behaviors.

Objective of the Study

• The primary aim of the study was to explore the effects of varying levels of energy restriction on the physical and morphometric parameters in obese Shetland geldings. The research exposes the urgent necessity for developing efficient and safe strategies for weight loss among horses and ponies, particularly in the leisure horse sector where obesity prevalence is high.

Methodology of the Research

• The study involved 18 obese Shetland geldings who went through three periods which included: a 4-week adaptation period, a 16.5-week weight loss period where the horses were fed according to their individual maintenance energy requirements (100% MERob), and a 3-week follow-up period.
• In the weight loss period, the horses were split into three groups namely control, moderately energy-restricted (MOD), and severely energy-restricted (SEV) groups. These were fed at 100%, 80%, and 60% of their individual MERob respectively.

Findings and Results

• The findings of the study showed significant changes between the start and end of the weight loss period. Specifically, the researchers observed differences in bodyweight, Body Conditioning Score (BCS), heart girth, belly girth, and relative ultrasound fat depth in the loin and ribs areas.
• Higher energy restrictions resulted in a much faster decrease in BCS, tail head, heart girth and belly girth. Interestingly, there were no cases of gastric ulcers or stereotypic behaviours noted, suggesting that the high energy restrictions might not have adverse effects on the ponies’ health and well-being.

Implications and Conclusion

• The study findings could be significant in guiding the development of weight loss strategies among horses and ponies. The results imply that relatively high energy restrictions might not have detrimental effects on health, thus could be feasibly utilized to achieve efficient weight loss in horses and ponies.
• The findings do warrant further investigation into this matter, with potential for future studies to explore the long-term effects of high energy restrictions in equines and the accompanying health risks, if any.