Equine Obesity – understanding the challenges for owners
Equine obesity is a significant welfare challenge in Australia. The issue is often misunderstood by owners and overlooked as a welfare issue in the absence of clinical disease. However, it is a precursor to serious diseases such as laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome, which are significant welfare concerns.
Modern diets, improved pastures, and a more sedentary lifestyle typically result in a dietary energy intake in excess of daily caloric requirements, which leads to weight gain. As the primary caregiver, owner acknowledgement and understanding of obesity is critical for successful weight management. Given the complex blend of human perception, social norms, and dietary management, evidence highlights the need for innovative, all-encompassing communication to overcome the challenges of equine obesity.
Many horse owners are aware of body condition scoring (BCS) and consider body condition an indicator of health. Although awareness of the pitfalls of obesity is present, owners often find weight management difficult due to a perceived association with negative welfare. For most people, physical attributes of obesity, such as an arched neck and rounded rump are more likely perceived as a picture of health, rather than a welfare concern. Some equestrian disciplines favour heavily conditioned horses, so an industry-wide shift towards healthy weight is required.
Dietary restriction can be challenging for owners, who may feel the horse is unsatiated, bored or frustrated. Feeding our horses is often a pleasant activity for owners, and something enjoyed by their animals. Therefore, some owners may avoid weight control measures due to a perceived negative effect on their human-horse relationship. To overcome these factors, owner engagement and understanding is critical. Importantly, the feed plan needs to appropriately address the impact of restricted dietary management (RDM) on other welfare considerations.
Calorie intake is essentially at the core of obesity. Therefore, for horses that are prone to obesity, the type of feed substrate, and the way in which it is fed, should be assessed to provide maximal fibre content, whilst limiting caloric contribution. Exercise is a critical component of weight management. At a minimum, daily hand walking, of 30-60 minutes, should be included in the program. A roughage that is low in energy or NSC is best suited to allow sustained feed intake without contributing excess calories to the diet. Once a suitable roughage is identified, a simple rule of 1.5% x BW can be used to calculate daily feed amounts, and combined with a viable daily exercise regime. Measuring the daily quantities of feedstuffs is an important part of managing the diet.
Where applicable, RDM should include pasture. Seasonal pasture fluctuations, particularly in autumn and spring, can exacerbate the risk of obesity. The aim of any RDM is to maximise the time spent feeding (chewing) to support gastrointestinal function and mitigate negative welfare impacts such as stress and boredom. Pasture management systems, such as strip grazing and track systems, are effective weight control measures (Figure 2).
Dynamic feeding systems, that encourage movement and foraging, can also be utilised to initiate low-intensity exercise and induce weight loss. When feeding hay in a restricted diet, slow-feed hay nets are an easy way to slow consumption rates and extend foraging time. Soaking hay is another useful tool to reduce calories, slow consumption and avoid secondary negative heath issues. When considering restricted pasture management, owners should decide on the system most suitable to their property and housing set up.
For obese horses, advice from an equine nutritionist should be sought to devise a feed program. The nutritionist will evaluate the current feed and housing program and provide a simple plan with daily feed quantities by weight. This process involves understanding of local feeds and weighing proportions to help the owner make conscious, horse-based feed choices. The feed plan needs to be recorded, measured and evaluated so that modifications can be made as needed.
For more information on feeding plans and diet analysis, contact our Equine Nutrition Advisor, Michelle or request a diet analysis in the resource section of our website.