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PeerJ2014; 2; e299; doi: 10.7717/peerj.299

Obesity prevalence and associated risk factors in outdoor living domestic horses and ponies.

Abstract: Reasons for performing study. The prevalence of obesity in companion animals, including horses and ponies has risen drastically in recent years and risk factors have been little investigated. Horses are unique amongst companion animals in that many are outdoor-living and forage independently on pasture; they also have a dual utility and companionship role. The body condition of wild and free-living equines is known to vary seasonally, yet previous estimates of the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors in domestic animals do not consider this. Most previous studies were conducted during the summer months when pasture quality is greater and obesity prevalence is likely to be highest. In addition, many previous estimates do not use validated body condition scoring methods and rely on owner reporting. Objectives. To examine the prevalence and risk factors predictive of equine obesity at both the end of winter and the end of summer, in a domestic population of leisure horses with daily access to pasture. Using validated body condition scoring methods and a single, trained observer. Methods. Body condition and belly girth measurements were taken at the end of winter and during the summer in a population of leisure horses (n = 96) with outdoor pasture access for ≥6 h per day. Risk factor information was obtained by two owner questionnaires and analysed statistically using a mixed effects logistic regression model. The dependent variable was obese (BCS ≥ 7/9) or non-obese (BCS < 7/9). Risk factors associated with seasonal change in belly girth were also explored using a mixed effects linear regression model. Results. Obesity prevalence rose significantly from 27.08% at the end of winter to 35.41% during summer (p < 0.001). Breed was the risk factor most strongly associated with obesity (p < 0.001). Supplementary feed was not a strong predictor and there was no association with low intensity structured exercise. As winter BCS increased, the percentage seasonal change in belly girth decreased. Conclusions. Obesity prevalence differed between winter and summer in domestic equines. Supplementary feed and low intensity structured exercise in equines living outdoors for ≥6 h per day had limited or no effect on obesity levels. Seasonal variation in body condition was lower in obese equines. Potential relevance. It is important to consider season when studying equine obesity and obesity-associated disorders. Risk factor analysis suggests preventative measures may need to be breed specific. The metabolic implications of a lessened seasonal change in body condition in obese animals, warrants investigation.
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Publication Date: 2014-03-20 PubMed ID: 24711963PubMed Central: PMC3970797DOI: 10.7717/peerj.299Google 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.

The research article investigates the prevalence and risk factors of obesity in outdoor living horses and ponies, and finds that obesity prevalence differs between winter and summer months, with breed being a prominent risk factor. Daily supplementary feed and low intensity exercise showed limited to no impact on obesity levels.

Explanation of Research Methodology

  • The study was performed on domestic horses and ponies (96 in total) that lived outdoors and had daily access to pasture for at least 6 hours.
  • Body condition and belly girth measurements were taken at two points – the end of winter and during summer. This would account for potential seasonal variations in body conditions.
  • Related risk factor information was gathered through two owner questionnaires. The questionnaires provided information about the equines’ diet, level of exercise and breed.
  • The collected data was then analyzed using a mixed effects logistic regression model. The dependent variable was whether the horse or pony was obese or not, determined by a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 7/9 or higher.
  • A mixed effects linear regression model was used to explore risk factors associated with seasonal change in belly girth.

Key Findings

  • The study found that the prevalence of obesity increased significantly from 27.08% at the end of winter to 35.41% during summer.
  • The risk factor most strongly associated with obesity was the breed of the horse or pony. However, other factors like supplementary feed and low intensity structured exercise did not have a significant association with obesity.
  • As winter BCS increased, the seasonal change in belly girth decreased. This suggests that obese equines experienced less seasonal variation in body condition.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The research concludes that obesity prevalence in outdoor living equines varies seasonally, with an increase in summer months.
  • The lack of impact of supplementary feed and low intensity exercise on obesity levels implies that prevention measures may need to be closely aligned with the specific breeds.
  • The lessened seasonal change in body condition in obese animals indicates potential metabolic implications, which the researchers suggest warrants further study.
  • Given these findings, the study urges consideration of seasons when studying equine obesity and associated disorders.

Cite This Article

APA
Giles SL, Rands SA, Nicol CJ, Harris PA. (2014). Obesity prevalence and associated risk factors in outdoor living domestic horses and ponies. PeerJ, 2, e299. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.299

Publication

PeerJ
ISSN: 2167-8359
NlmUniqueID: 101603425
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 2
Pages: e299
PII: e299

Researcher Affiliations

Giles, Sarah L
  • University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science , Langford, Bristol , UK.
Rands, Sean A
  • University of Bristol, School of Biological Sciences , Bristol , UK.
Nicol, Christine J
  • University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science , Langford, Bristol , UK.
Harris, Patricia A
  • Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition , Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire , UK.

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