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Equine veterinary journal2014; 47(2); 196-201; doi: 10.1111/evj.12275

Prevalence of and risk factors for equine obesity in Great Britain based on owner-reported body condition scores.

Abstract: Few data are available on the prevalence of obesity in the general equine population of Great Britain (GB), and its associated risk factors. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of owner-reported obesity in veterinary-registered horses and ponies in GB, and identify factors associated with obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of horse/pony owners in GB was undertaken using a postal questionnaire. Methods: Thirty veterinary practices randomly selected horse/pony owners to complete a self-administered postal questionnaire. Owners estimated body condition score using a modified Carroll and Huntington method (1-6 scale), and animals were classified as obese if they were scored as either 5 (fat) or 6 (very fat). Factors associated with obesity were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 31.2% (n = 247/792; 95% confidence interval [CI] 27.9-34.2%). Factors associated with increased odds of obesity were breed (P<0.001), ease of maintaining weight (P<0.001) and primary use (P = 0.002). Compared to Thoroughbreds, draught-type (odds ratio [OR] 7.3; 95% CI 3.1-17.1), cob-type (OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.5-12.5), native (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.8-5.78) and Welsh breeds (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.9-6.2) were more likely to be obese. Animals described as 'good doers' were more likely to be obese than those described as readily maintaining normal weight (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.6-5.3). Compared to competition animals, animals used for pleasure riding (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4-4.4) and nonridden animals (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5-5.5) were more likely to be obese. Conclusions: Identification of at-risk breeds and other horse- and management-level risk factors for obesity will enable optimal targeting of owner education regarding management strategies to reduce the frequency of equine obesity.
© 2014 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2014-05-23 PubMed ID: 24735219DOI: 10.1111/evj.12275Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity in equine animals in Great Britain and to identify the factors that may influence this condition. It reports that approximately 31.2% of horses are considered obese, and highlights breed, maintenance of weight, and the animal’s primary use as key contributory aspects.

Methodology

  • The study made use of a cross-sectional survey design, which was distributed to horse and pony owners through mail.
  • Thirty veterinary practices randomly selected horse owners to complete the questionnaire.
  • Owners were asked to estimate their horse’s body condition score using a modified Carroll and Huntington method on a scale of 1 to 6. Animals scoring 5 (fat) or 6 (very fat) were classified as obese.
  • The responses were then statistically analyzed using logistic regression to understand the factors connected with obesity.

Results

  • The survey found that nearly one-third of the assessed equine population in Great Britain, or 31.2% to be precise, were obese.
  • Breeds that showed higher odds of obesity included draught-type, cob-type, native, and Welsh breeds, when compared to Thoroughbreds.
  • Horses that were described as “good doers” (ones that keep their weight on longer), turned out more likely to become obese than those who readily maintain a normal weight.
  • Horses and ponies used primarily for pleasure riding or remained nonridden displayed higher rates of obesity compared to competitive animals.

Conclusions

  • From the research, it was determined that equine obesity is indeed a concern within the veterinary and horse owning community.
  • The study identified breeds at risk and other horse-related and management-level risk factors for obesity—valuable information which can help optimize targeted education towards owners regarding management strategies to reduce the occurrence of obesity in horses.
  • These interventions and strategies could be focused on proper diet management, exercise regime, and monitoring especially in breeds and use categories that have been identified at higher risk in the study.

Cite This Article

APA
Robin CA, Ireland JL, Wylie CE, Collins SN, Verheyen KL, Newton JR. (2014). Prevalence of and risk factors for equine obesity in Great Britain based on owner-reported body condition scores. Equine Vet J, 47(2), 196-201. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12275

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 47
Issue: 2
Pages: 196-201

Researcher Affiliations

Robin, C A
  • Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Department, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Ireland, J L
    Wylie, C E
      Collins, S N
        Verheyen, K L P
          Newton, J R

            MeSH Terms

            • Animal Husbandry
            • Animals
            • Data Collection
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horse Diseases / etiology
            • Horses
            • Obesity / epidemiology
            • Obesity / etiology
            • Obesity / veterinary
            • Prevalence
            • Risk Factors
            • Surveys and Questionnaires

            Citations

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