Body Condition Scoring

Amber D Krotky, MS, PAS

Quality & Product Development Manager

Mars Horsecare US – Buckeye Nutrition

Monitoring WeightWhy is it important to monitor weight?

Prevent too much weight gain or lossSudden changes can indicate health problems

Too heavy - risk of:laminitis, insulin resistance, reproductive problems, exercise intolerance, heat exhaustion

Too thin – risk of:compromised immune system, muscle wasting, exercise intolerance, parasite problems, cold intolerance, malnutrition

Henneke Body Condition Scoring System

• Developed by Dr. Don Henneke, University of Texas, 1983• Article published in the Equine Veterinary Journal

• Scores 1-9• 1-2 = emaciated• 3-4 = thin• 5–6 = range of ideal scores• 7 = overweight• 8-9 = obese

• Ideal body condition depends on:• Breed• Discipline• Age• Climate

What is ideal body condition?• Often subjective, “ideal” may vary by discipline

• Example: endurance horses are usually leaner than show-fit halter horses.

The horse's physical condition is rated on visual appraisal and palpation (feel) of six conformation points:

1. the amount of flesh or fat covering the neck2. the withers3. down the crease of the back4. at the tailhead5. ribs6. behind the shoulder at the girth

Lumbar Vertebra-Anterior View Indicating Profile Lines for

Each Body Condition Score

BCS = 1 (Poor)

• Extremely Emaciated

• Bones Project Prominently

Spine, Ribs, Hips, Withers

• No Fat Anywhere

• Intense care needed for re-feeding

Photo: www.habitatforhorses.org

BCS = 2 (Very Thin)

• Emaciated

• Bones ProminentSpine, Ribs, Tailhead, Hips

• Slight fat at base of spine, withers

• Intense care needed for re-feeding

Photo: www.habitatforhorses.org

BCS = 3 (Thin)

• Fat 1/2 way up Spine

• Slight Fat over Ribs

• Tailhead Prominent

• Hooks Rounded / No Pins

BCS = 4 (Moderately Thin)

• Negative Crease along Back

• Faint Outline of Ribs

• Fat around Tailhead

• Not Obviously Thin

MUST BE a minimum of a “4” to

participate in Ohio 4-H Horse Program

BCS = 5

(Moderate: Ideal Weight)

• Back is Level

• Ribs not seen, but felt

• Spongy fat around Tailhead

• Withers rounded / Shoulders Blend

BCS = 6

(Moderately Fleshy)

• Slight Crease down Back

• Spongy fat over ribs

• Soft fat around Tailhead

• Fat around withers, shoulders

BCS = 7 (Fleshy)

• Crease down Back

• Fat between ribs, barely feel

• Cushy Tailhead

• Fat on Withers, Shoulders,

Neck

BCS = 8 (Fat)• Prominent Crease down Back

• Can’t feel Ribs

• Well Padded Processes

• Fat along inner Thighs

BCS = 9

(Extremely Fat/Obese)

• Bulging FatNeck, withers, shoulders & tailhead

• Patchy fat around ribsCan’t feel Ribs

• Obvious crease down back“Heart” shape rump

Video – U.KY & TheHorse.com

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq0ZXnSlsNQ

There’s an app for that…University Collaboration & eXtension

Estimating A Horse’s Weight

Weight Tape: Very useful to monitor changes (caution using tape

with Draft breeds or Minis)

Calculation:

2yr & older: (HG x HG x BL) / 330

Yearling: (HG x HG x BL) / 301

Weanling: (HG x HG x BL) / 280 HG= Heart Girth

BL=Body Length

Measuring HG and BLNotes:

• BL (Body length)

measurement is not

quite the same as

measuring for a

blanket!

• HG (heart girth)

measurement taken

about 4 inches

behind shoulder.

Another Tool…

Body Condition Index (BCI)

More objective than BCS, which is very subjective

Similar to Body Mass Index (BMI) in humans

Useful when:

Multiple people are monitoring the same horse over time

Additional measure of change in condition

https://www.spillers-feeds.com/weight-management-tools/

https://www.spillers-feeds.com/weight-management-tools/

Stand on level surface

Relaxed, square stance

Measure (cm):

Height

Neck Circumference

Heart Girth

Belly Girth (mid-back)

Body Condition IndexCalculator on Spillers Feeds:

https://www.spillers-feeds.com/weight-management-tools/

Spillers-feed.com

Help & Advice

Weight Management Tools

Does not account for horse’s lengthDOES allow monitoring change

Equation:

BCI = [HG0.5 + (BG+NC1.2)/H1.05]2.2

https://www.spillers-feeds.com/weight-management-tools/

Calculates BCI Automatically

What if…???…my horse is too thin!!!

Consult with equine nutritionist and veterinarianRule out health problems

Increase calories (fat)

Increase forage

Caloric intake and grain need to be increased SLOWLY and CAREFULLY

Too much too fast = digestive upsetrisk of cardiac problems in emaciated horses

Increase fat content of diet

Ease workload, if applicable• Every 1 unit increase in BCS, requires

approximately 50# BW gain.

• Feed an additional 4.5# of feed

What if…???…my horse is too fat!!!

Consult with equine nutritionist and veterinarianTest for insulin resistance, if necessary

Rule out other metabolic issues

Decrease caloric intake Soak hay

Reduce grain, provide GRO ‘N WIN®

Limit pasture – grazing muzzle if needed

Increase exercise slowly as tolerated

Increase turnout

Do NOT starve horse!

What if…???…I don’t know if my horse is too thin or too fat or just right!!!

Estimate weightWeight tape or calculation

Body condition

Is this “ideal” for the horse’s size/breed/discipline?

What is the horse’s regular diet?Do adjustments need to be made?

Veterinarian – rule out health problems

Thank you!

Questions?