Chubby Horses

Question 1

what parts of the body should you evaluate for BCS?

Answer 1

crest of neck
withers
behind the shoulders
over the ribs
along the back
tailhead region

Question 2

what BCS is considered overweight?

Answer 2

> 7/9

Question 3

how should you evaluate an equine muscle condition score?

Answer 3

evaluate the horses topline

Question 4

how would you calculate the ideal body weight using BCS and current body weight?

Answer 4

each BCS over 5 is equivalent to 50 lbs overweight

ex. 1100lb horse is a 7/9 -> 2 x 50 = 100lb overweight

so the ideal weight is 1000

Question 5

how should you calculate a diet plan for overweight horses?

Answer 5

reduce caloric intake to 2% of the current body weight in dry matter per day

Ex. 1200lbs horse x 0.02 = 24lbs dry matter daily -> hay (90% DM) 24lbs/0.9 = 27lbs hay daily

Question 6

what is the best diet for an overweight horse?

Answer 6

NO concentrate

forage, measured by weight

supplement with vitamin-mineral source

plenty of fresh water

Question 7

what is the best forage to use for overweight horses?

Answer 7

hay high in fiber (high neutral detergent (NDF) with a low caloric density (low digestible energy (DE))

Question 8

what other methods in addition to calorie restriction, can be used to promote weight loss in horses?

Answer 8

• slow feeder hay bags: slow consumption of food
• grazing muzzles: reduces intake in horses on pasture

Question 9

how should horses on diet plans be monitored?

Answer 9

recheck BCS every 2-4 weeks

goal: loss of 0.5 to 1 BCS per month