Abstract

VELASQUEZ-MOSQUERA, Juan C. et al. Evaluation of body condition in sport horses in an equestrian academy in Cundinamarca, Colombia. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2023, vol.26, n.2, e2437.  Epub Nov 21, 2023. ISSN 0123-4226.  https://doi.org/10.31910/rudca.v26.n2.2023.2437.

There are several methodologies to determine the body condition of the sport horse, some being more objective than others, however the body condition score scale is the most used to estimate the body reserves of animals in athletic activity. The aim of the research was to estimate by non-invasive methods the thickness of subcutaneous fat and muscle development of horses from an equestrian school; and to calculate indexes that define the horse's body composition. 29 adult horses (9 females, 20 males) of four racial types were selected; Colombian sport horse, criollo, Argentine polo and English Thoroughbred. To assess subcutaneous fat, Henneke scale body condition score (BCS) was used, along with real-time ultrasound RTU measuring the back fat thickness (BFT) and croup fat thickness (CFT). Musculature was measured using UTR at the T17-T18 level, measuring the Ribeye area and the thickness of the gluteus medius. Additionally, weight (BW) and morphometric measurements were taken: wither height (WH), body-length (BL), girth circumference (GC). From these body or ultrasound measurements some performance indexes were calculated and/or body composition: body index (BI), load index at step and trot (LIS and LIT), % body fat (%BF), Body mass index (BMI), girth circumference ratio-height (GC: WH, muscle index (MI) and musculoskeletal index (MEI). Load indexes and body composition indicated differences between racial types (p<0.05). Between indexes that estimate fatness, there were significant correlations with BCS BFT 0,78 and BMI 0,99). Some indexes (LIS, LIT) would be indirect indicators of the aptitude-welfare relationship in animals.

Keywords : Adiposity; Equine; Equus caballus; Henneke scale; Ultrasound.

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