New research questions accuracy of existing body condition scoring systems

Researchers at the department of clinical science at the University of Liverpool supported by the World Horse Welfare, presented new research at BEVA last week that questions the accuracy of conventional equine body condition scoring for weight loss management in overweight ponies.

The study, entitled Managed weight loss in obese ponies: evaluating weight change, health and welfare1, involved five mature, overweight or obese ponies and aimed to restrict their feed intake(on a dry matter basis) to 1% of body weight of a chaff-based complete diet for 12 weeks. During this time their weight change, health parameters and behaviour were monitored. All ponies remained healthy throughout the whole trial and an appropriate and safe rate of weight loss was achieved.

Clare Barfoot BSc (Hons) RNutr, registered nutritionist and the research and development manager for SPILLERS® explained: “Body weight decreased at a steady rate. However, despite significant weight loss, the body condition scores of the ponies didn't change. This highlights the concern that body condition scoring may not be the most effective way to monitor early weight loss in ponies.”

Even in this well managed study the feeding activity of the dieting ponies was decreased by 74% compared to ad libitum intake, highlighting the need for a practical feeding system that is both effective at managing weight loss but is sensitive to behavioural needs.

The WALTHAM® Equine Studies group was closely involved with this study as it has been with other ground breaking work on equine obesity, such as showing that an obese body condition score was associated with increased insulin resistance back in 2003, and developing the cresty neck scoring system.

In response to the study the research group is in the process of developing a new condition scoring system designed specifically for ponies. “This will involve validating the relationship between actual measurements of body fatness and the external appearance of the pony,” said Alex Dugdale, lead researcher at Liverpool University.

1Dugdale A, Curtis G, Argo, C McG: Department of Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, UK

Harris , P A: Equine Studies Group WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, UK

September 2009