Evaluation of body condition score in horses by ultrasonography

Abstract

Currently, the evaluation of training and nutrition for sport horses has been widely studied in order to achieve maximum performance of sport horses in competitions. The body composition of muscle and fat deposition, as well as in humans, is one of the best indicators of performance. The body condition score (BCS) is a subjective indicator of body state and is mainly based in fat deposition in some regions of the horse. Ultrasonography has proved to be a valuable tool in the evaluation of subcutaneous fat deposition. In order to study the relationship between condition score and measures of body fat and muscle thickness obtained by ultrasonography in three distinct breeds, we used 14 Thoroughbred horses (PSI), 7 Quarter Horses (QM) and 10 Purebred Arabian horses (PSA) with a mean age of 3.5±0.5 years and average weight of 471 kg. The animals were evaluated by ultrasonography in three regions: parallel to the spine, back fat thickness (EGL), thickness of gluteal muscle (EMG) and fat thickness in tail (EGC). Measurements were performed every 30 days for 60 days. The results showed a correlation between body condition score and tail fat thickness, with a higher correlation compared with the other variables. Ultrasonographic evaluation proved to be a reliable and practical tool for assessing body condition in sport horses.