Existing body condition scoring systems may not be sufficiently accurate for monitoring weight loss in dieting ponies according to researchers at the Liverpool Vet School.
This was one of the findings to come out of a study into the use of a restricted diet for producing weight loss.
For twelve weeks, overweight ponies were fed a chaff-based complete diet, with their intake limited to 1% of body weight.
The ponies achieved the desired weight loss. Their girth measurements decreased over time, as did measurements of subcutaneous fat. However, body condition scores remained unchanged.
As a result of the study the research group is developing a new condition scoring system designed specifically for ponies.
Read the full article in Equine Science Update
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