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

Weight tapes can provide readings as much as 20% off, a examine has discovered, and customarily underestimate equine body weight, inflicting considerations 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, “usually underestimating body weight, particularly on larger horses”.

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

“Common monitoring is essential as a part of a weight administration plan to assist horse house owners monitor modifications of their horses’ body weight,” a Dengie spokesman mentioned. “If tapes are usually underestimating a horse’s weight it might 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 group 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 mentioned. “The closest weight tape studying was nonetheless 104kg lower than her precise body weight.”

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

“Totally different tapes have been discovered to range by as much as 10% of their readings for a similar horse on the identical time, which might equate to a distinction of 50kg for a 500kg horse,” the Dengie spokesman mentioned. “Though the examine was completed on a comparatively small scale, it gives 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 taking a look at accuracy of tapes for these which can be chubby.

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

“If in case you have a very giant horse, keep in mind that the tape may be underestimating them considerably sufficient to have an impact when figuring out how a lot to feed or utilizing a wormer. In case you can, use a weighbridge and evaluate to your tape so you’ll be able to see how far out it’s. Search recommendation from related professionals in the event you suspect your tape may not 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. Keen about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all elements of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, wherein she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.