Clare Barfoot

Weight loss resistance: A further consideration for the nutritional management of obese Equidae

Evidence-based, weight loss management advice is required to address equine obesity. Changes in body mass (BM), body condition score (BCS), heart (HG) and belly circumference (BG), direct (ultrasonographic) and indirect (D(2)O dilution, bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA]) measures of body fat as well as indices of insulin resistance (IR) were monitored in 12 overweight (BCS ≥ 7/9) horses and ponies of mixed breed and gender for 16 weeks. Animals were randomly assigned to two groups (Group 1, n=6, BCS 7.6/9 ± 0.6, 489 ± 184.6 kg; Group 2, n=6, BCS 8.1/9 ± 0.6, 479 ± 191.5 kg). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) was restricted to 1.25% BM as one of two, near-isocaloric (DE ∼0.115 MJ/kg BM/day), forage-based diets (Group 1, 0.8% BM chaff-based feed: 0.45% BM hay; Group 2, 1.15% BM hay: 0.1% BM nutrient-balancer). Statistical modelling revealed considerable between-animal heterogeneity in proportional weight losses (0.16-0.55% of Week 1 BM weekly). The magnitude of weight loss resistance (WLR) or sensitivity to dietary restriction was independent of diet or any measured outset variable and was largely (65%) attributed to animal identity. Predicted rates of weight loss decreased over time. BCS and BIA were poor estimates of D(2)O-derived body fat%. Reciprocal changes in depths of retroperitoneal and subcutaneous adipose tissues were evident. Changes in BG were associated with losses in retroperitoneal fat and BM (r(2), 0.67 and 0.79). Indices of IR improved for 9/12 animals by Week 16. For obese animals, weight loss should be initiated by restricting forage DMI to 1.25% BM. Subsequent restriction to 1% BM may be warranted for WLR animals.

Perceptions of Obesity and Management Practices in a UK Population of Leisure-Horse Owners and Managers

&NA; Obesity remains prevalent in the UK leisure sector of horses and ponies. An inability among horse managers to recognize obesity in their animal will exacerbate this and preclude weight‐loss initiation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate horse managers perceptions of obesity and report on management factors that may influence the high obesity prevalence. A two‐tier, Internet‐based questionnaire was developed using lateral photographic images of horses/ponies (assigned a body condition score in vivo by an experienced assessor; tier 1). Respondent data gathered included the following: involvement in the equine sector, ability to identify overweight animals, and scoring suitability of animals for participation in different disciplines. Tier 2 (option to participate at conclusion of tier 1) gathered horse‐owner information regarding animal management practices. Tier 1: Of 539 respondents, 98% (n = 528/539; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.3%–98.9%) were female. Amateur respondents (81%; n = 435/539; 95% CI: 77.1–83.8) exceeded professional respondents (19%; n = 104/539; 95% CI: 16.2%–22.8%). Only 11% respondents (n = 60/539; 95% CI: 8.7–14.1) correctly identified all overweight animals (6/12). A sport horse, cob horse, and pony were rated significantly lower (toward underweight) for competing in showing compared to other disciplines, tier 2: 177 responses. Owners reported obesity prevalence: 4.5% (n = 8/177; 95% CI: 2.3%–8.8%). Seasonal changes in horse/pony weight and management routines were reported. In conclusion, horse managers vary in their ability to visually identify overweight animals and consider it appropriate that animals intended for the show ring should carry more weight. Tier 2 adds to epidemiologic literature regarding UK equine management practices. HighlightsHorse owners perceptions of equine obesity were evaluated via questionnaires.The ability to correctly identify overweight animals by visual appraisal alone was poor.Perceptions of ideal weight/condition were varied between equestrian disciplines.Animals intended for the show ring were considered to be more appropriate when overweight.Seasonal changes in management of horses/ponies in UK are reported.

Changes in the Total Fecal Bacterial Population in Individual Horses Maintained on a Restricted Diet Over 6 Weeks

Twelve mature (aged 5–16 years) horses and ponies of mixed breed and type were fed restricted (1.25% BM Dry matter) quantities of one of two fiber based diets formulated to be iso-caloric. Diet 1 comprised of 0.8% body mass (BM) of chaff based complete feed plus 0.45% BM low energy grass hay (the same hay used for both diets). Diet 2 comprised 0.1% BM of a nutrient balancer plus 1.15% BM grass hay. Fecal samples were collected at week 10 and week 16. DNA was extracted and the V1-V2 regions of 16SrDNA were 454-pyrosequenced to investigate the bacterial microbiome of the horse. The two most abundant phyla found in both diets and sampling periods were the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. There was a clear reduction in Bacteroidetes with a concordant increase in Firmicutes over time. There was a limited degree of stability within the bacterial community of the hindgut of horses, with 65% of bacteria retained, over a 6 week period whilst on a uniform diet. The presence of a core community defined by being present in all samples (each animal/diet combination) included in the study and being present at 0.1% relative abundance (or greater) was identified. In total 65 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified that fit the definition of core making up 21–28% of the total sequences recovered. As with total population the most abundant phyla were the Bacteroidetes followed by the Firmicutes, however there was no obvious shift in phyla due to period. Indeed, when the relative abundance of OTUs was examined across diets and periods there was no significant effect of diet or period alone or in combination on the relative abundance of the core OTUs.

Perceptions of obesity in a UK leisure-based population of horse owners

Reduced workloads, improved husbandry and increased access to energy dense forage and concentrate feeds have contributed to the high prevalence of obesity among leisure horse populations. Obesity prevalence can also be linked to our ability to recognize and manage it accordingly. Currently, owner-perception of equine obesity is poorly understood.