Weight problems issues in horses as examine finds weight tapes underestimate true values

Weight tapes may give readings as much as 20% off, a examine has discovered, and usually underestimate equine body weight, inflicting issues about weight problems.

Feed producer Dengie carried out the preliminary examine evaluating accuracy of three weight tapes and evaluating values to weighbridge readings. The preliminary discovering is that values range by 20% or extra, “typically underestimating body weight, particularly on larger horses”.

In a survey of 650 individuals in 2021, Dengie discovered that 72% used weight tapes on their horses.

“Common monitoring is vital as a part of a weight administration plan to assist horse house owners monitor modifications of their horses’ body weight,” a Dengie spokesman stated. “If tapes are typically underestimating a horse’s weight it could be contributing to the difficulties horse house owners have in recognising weight problems, which is why Dengie needed to discover this space additional.”

For the examine, the crew checked out 29 horses, from 13hh to 17.2hh with physique situation scores of between 2.5 and 4.5 on the five-point scale.

“Bigger horses tended to be underestimated to a better extent than ponies, with the largest distinction recorded for a 17.2hh mare who was 138kg much less on one weight tape studying in comparison with the weighbridge, a 21% distinction,” the spokesman stated. “The closest weight tape studying was nonetheless 104kg lower than her precise body weight.”

Overestimation of weight was much less widespread; solely 5 readings had been better than the precise worth. This was according to the outcomes of a 2023 examine by Grimwood et al, which used just one weight tape.

“Totally different tapes had been discovered to range by as much as 10% of their readings for a similar horse on the similar time, which might equate to a distinction of 50kg for a 500kg horse,” the Dengie spokesman stated. “Though the examine was carried out on a comparatively small scale, it offers additional help for the significance of horse house owners utilizing the identical tape each time when monitoring modifications in body weight.”

Additional work is deliberate, particularly accuracy of tapes for these which are chubby.

Katie Williams, technical and product improvement supervisor at Dengie, advised H&H: “The important thing takeaway from the outcomes we’ve got thus far is {that a} weight tape is prone to underestimate your horse’s weight, particularly if in case you have a big horse. Weight taping continues to be worthwhile in relation to weight administration because the relative modifications present invaluable perception as as to whether they’re gaining or shedding pounds.

“In case you have a very giant horse, keep in mind that the tape could be underestimating them considerably sufficient to have an impact when figuring out how a lot to feed or utilizing a wormer. In the event you can, use a weighbridge and examine to your tape so you possibly can see how far out it’s. Search recommendation from related professionals if you happen to suspect your tape won’t be correct.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Obsessed with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits by way of to worldwide championships.