Assessing the seasonal prevalence and risk factors for nuchal crest adiposity in domestic horses and ponies using the Cresty Neck Score.
Authors: Giles Sarah L, Nicol Christine J, Rands Sean A, Harris Patricia A
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Seasonal Trends in Cresty Neck Adiposity Nuchal crest adiposity represents a specific, metabolically significant form of fat deposition that may indicate insulin dysregulation independently of overall body condition, yet its prevalence and seasonal patterns in UK equines remained undocumented until this investigation. Researchers employed the Cresty Neck Score across a leisure horse and pony population throughout multiple seasons, creating longitudinal data on how neck fat deposits fluctuate year-round and identifying which animals and management factors predisposed individuals to this condition. The findings revealed that cresty neck adiposity does not follow identical seasonal trends to generalised obesity, suggesting distinct physiological mechanisms at play and implying that visual body scoring systems alone may miss metabolically compromised individuals, particularly during seasons when overall condition appears adequate. For practitioners, this work highlights the importance of assessing the neck independently during routine evaluations—a quick, non-invasive screening tool that could identify at-risk animals before overt metabolic dysfunction manifests, enabling earlier dietary or management intervention. Understanding these seasonal patterns and risk factors provides a practical foundation for targeted monitoring protocols and may help coaches, nutritionists and veterinarians refine their approach to metabolic health assessment in leisure populations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor nuchal crest condition separately from overall body condition as they may respond differently to seasonal changes and management
- •Use the Cresty Neck Score as a practical tool to identify horses at metabolic risk, particularly those with localized neck adiposity that may be missed by standard body condition scoring
- •Tailor feeding and exercise management to address nuchal crest adiposity specifically, as general weight loss strategies may not be equally effective
Key Findings
- •Nuchal crest adiposity prevalence and seasonal variations were assessed in UK leisure horses and ponies using the Cresty Neck Score
- •Risk factors for nuchal crest adiposity were identified as distinct from general obesity factors
- •Seasonal trends in nuchal crest adiposity differ from general body obesity patterns