|
|
|
|
|
Horse obesity is common, so keep that equine
By Lana Robinson
Field Editor
Obesity is not just a human condition, but also a common problem for horses—especially in ponies, miniatures and brood mares. According to Dr. Robert Judd, DVM, host of "Texas Vet News," a daily radio program on the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network, horses carrying extra weight run the risk of increased susceptibility to disease, reduced exercise tolerance and decreased heat tolerance.
"Obesity in horses can also aggravate bone and joint injuries and decrease reproductive performance," said Judd.
Other negative effects in equine associated with excess weight and over-nutrition, include: increased stress on the heart and lungs; greater risk of laminitis or founder; fat build-up around key organs, which interferes with normal function; and greater lethargy and fatigue.
"In general, a horse is considered in normal flesh if the ribs can be felt, but not seen. If you are unable to feel the ribs, the animal is overweight," Judd explained.
Judd said body condition is the best way to determine if a horse is overweight. Horses are assigned a body condition score, with a score of 1 being extremely thin and 9 being extremely obese, said Judd. Ideally, a horse should score 5. However, keep in mind that the job of your particular athlete also has a bearing on what weight is appropriate for maximum performance. Polo, race and endurance horses might be perfectly fit with body condition scores of 4 (moderately thin), while a body condition score of 7 (fleshy) may be required for success in the show ring. However, by feeding a horse to a level of 8, you are starting to push the limits of good health. Horses with scores of 8 and 9 are definite candidates for a weight reduction plan.
"As in all animals, obesity is caused by taking in more calories than it burns. In horses, the major cause is feeding high energy feed when it is not needed."
Judd said grass, hay and a vitamin/mineral supplement is all that is needed in many horses that are not being ridden hard.
"All horses do not need grain," he cautioned. "Also, most owners do not weigh feed, therefore, they feed by volume. They use a scoop or can versus weight in pounds. Weighing the hay and grain is the only method of determining the amount to feed."
The Hewitt veterinarian, board certified in equine, said many owners think their horses are burning more calories than they really are.
"A one-hour trail ride, with the horse in a walk and slow trot, burns very few calories. Just because they sweat, does not mean they have used a lot of energy and need extra feed," he noted.
For weight loss to occur, a horse only needs 70 percent of what you have been feeding it (decreasing the horse's caloric intake sufficiently to cause it to lose weight requires that the horse be confined to a dry lot or paddock). Sound nutrition management, a regular exercise program, and restraint when measuring the ration are all necessary for success. Keep in mind that when implementing a weight loss program, it's important to do it in such a way so as not to stress the horse. Changes in both exercise and nutrition should be gradual. Develop a program that will allow your horse to reduce its weight without any negative side effects.
Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to get you started:
1. Be patient. Weight reduction should be a slow, steady process so not to stress the horse or create metabolic upsets.
2. Make changes in both the type and amount of feed gradually. Reduce rations by no more than 10 percent over a 7 to 10-day period.
3. Track your horse's progress by using a weight tape. When the horse's weight plateaus, gradually cut back its ration again.
4. Step up the horse's exercise regimen. Gradually build time and intensity as the horse's fitness improves.
The following exercise is recommended: walk, then trot, the horse long enough to make the horse begin sweating; then walk to cool down. Do this once and preferably twice daily.
5. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water so the horse's digestive and other systems function as efficiently as possible and rid the body of metabolic and other wastes.
6. Select feeds that provide plenty of high quality fiber but are low in total energy. Measure feeds by weight rather than by volume to determine appropriate rations.
7. Select feeds that are lower in fat since fat is an energy-dense nutrient source.
8. Switch or reduce the amount of alfalfa hay feed. Replace with a mature grass or oat hay to reduce caloric intake.
9. Feed separate from other horses so the overweight horse doesn't have a chance to eat his portion and his neighbor's too. In extreme cases of obesity, caloric intake may also need to be controlled by limiting pasture intake.
10. Balance the horse's diet based on age and activity level. Make sure the horse's vitamin, mineral and protein requirements continue to be met.
Maintaining the proper weight, once achieved, is a balancing act. Readjustment of your horse's ration will be necessary to stabilize its weight. Exercise will continue to be a key component in keeping the horse fit. Because obesity can affect a horse's health, communicate regularly with your veterinarian. Schedule regular check-ups, especially during the weight reduction process.
Finally, don't mistake "hay belly" for obesity. Hay bellies are usually a stretched or distended abdomen caused by overindulgence in grass or hay. To eliminate a hay belly, reduce the total volume of feed that passes through the animal's system. A well-balanced complete feed is suggested to reduce total volume without adversely impacting the amount of fiber and nutrients needed for proper digestion and nutrition.
