Level of energy restriction alters body condition score and morphometric profile in obese Shetland ponies.
Authors: Bruynsteen L, Moons C P H, Janssens G P J, Harris P A, Vandevelde K, Lefère L, Duchateau L, Hesta M
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Obesity in leisure horses and ponies represents a significant welfare and metabolic challenge, yet evidence-based weight loss protocols remain limited—particularly for breeds like Shetlands prone to condition gain. Researchers at Ghent University and WALTHAM Petcare compared two energy restriction strategies in 18 obese Shetland geldings (BCS 7–9/9), feeding groups at either 80% or 60% of their individually determined maintenance energy requirements over 16.5 weeks, alongside a control group maintained at 100%. The 60% restriction group achieved faster reductions in body condition score, tail head prominence, and combined heart and belly girth measurements compared to the moderately restricted group, with significant between-group differences evident across multiple morphometric parameters including ultrasound-measured fat depth at the loin and ribs. Importantly, neither restriction level precipitated gastric ulceration or stereotypic behaviours, suggesting both protocols were tolerable from a welfare perspective. For practitioners implementing weight loss programmes, these findings indicate that more aggressive restriction (60% of maintenance) produces measurably faster results in obese ponies without apparent acute welfare compromise, though the follow-up period data warrant consideration regarding longer-term metabolic adaptation and rebound weight gain risk.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Severe energy restriction (60% MERob) achieves weight loss goals more rapidly than moderate restriction in obese Shetland ponies, without apparent welfare compromise (no ulcers or behavioural issues observed)
- •Both moderate and severe energy restriction protocols produced measurable changes in body condition and morphometric parameters, allowing practitioners to tailor restriction intensity to individual client goals and horse tolerance
- •Individual baseline maintenance energy requirements must be established before implementing restriction protocols to ensure accurate feeding targets
Key Findings
- •Severe energy restriction (60% MERob) produced significantly faster decreases in body condition score, tail head prominence, and girth measurements compared to moderate restriction (80% MERob) over 16.5 weeks
- •No gastric ulcers or stereotypic behaviours were observed in any treatment group despite energy restriction levels ranging from 60-100% of maintenance requirements
- •Significant pairwise differences between control, moderate, and severe restriction groups were evident for bodyweight, BCS, heart girth, belly girth, and ultrasound fat depth at loin and ribs at multiple time points (P<0.05)