Causes of Obesity in Horses
- Overfeeding
One of the most common causes of obesity in horses is overfeeding. Many owners offer their horses more feed than necessary, without taking into account their daily energy needs. Providing too much concentrate or high-calorie hay can lead to an energy surplus that is stored as fat. It is recommended to have the hay analyzed. This can be done via the Roughage Quickscan from Vitalbix. Depending on the results of this testing, you can soak the hay to reduce the sugar content and add a lean but very complete balancer so that the metabolism is optimized. If there is a proven lack of protein, which is important for muscle building, it is advisable to feed pure esparcette rather than alfalfa. Esparcette is a better source of protein than alfalfa for overweight horses because it is lower in calories and rich in tannins, which slow down sugar and starch absorption in the gut. This helps regulate weight and prevent insulin resistance.When in doubt about what your horse likes, you can first try out a sample pack .
- Too little exercise
Horses are naturally movement animals, and in the wild, they would walk many miles a day in search of food. Nowadays, many horses have a much less active lifestyle, especially if they are stabled for long periods of time or are given little grazing. Too little exercise in combination with a diet that is too rich quickly leads to obesity.
- Improper nutrition
Feed that is not tailored to the horse’s needs, such as concentrates with sugar and starch, can quickly contribute to obesity. Many horses do not need such concentrates and can stay healthy on a diet of high-quality hay and grass, supplemented with minerals and vitamins in the form of a balancer.
- Genetic predisposition
Some horse breeds, such as ponies and coldblood breeds, have a greater predisposition to weight gain. These horses are naturally more efficient processors of energy, which makes them susceptible to obesity, even when they are fed relatively little feed.
Dangers of being overweight
Being overweight can lead to serious health problems in horses. One of the most common conditions related to obesity is laminitis, a painful inflammation of the laminitis that can result in permanent damage. In addition, being overweight can lead to insulin resistance, which increases the risk of metabolic disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS ). It also increases the load on joints and tendons, which can lead to premature arthritis and lameness.
Scientific insights
Several scientific studies have been conducted that provide insight into the causes, dangers and treatment of obesity in horses. Below, we discuss two key studies that contribute to a better understanding of this growing problem.
1. Study on Insulin Resistance (IR) and Overweight
A study conducted by Carter et al. (2009) examined the relationship between obesity and insulin resistance in horses. The study showed that overweight and obese horses had significantly higher levels of insulin in their blood after eating compared to horses of a healthy weight. This elevated insulin level indicates insulin resistance, a condition commonly seen in overweight horses that is a major risk factor for developing laminitis.
The study highlighted the importance of weight management in horses to reduce the likelihood of insulin resistance. Modifying the diet to a high-fiber, low-sugar diet and promoting more exercise were recommended as important strategies to prevent obesity and treat insulin resistance.
Source: Carter, R. A., Geor, R. J., Burton Staniar, W., Cubitt, T. A., & Harris, P. A. (2009). “Appetite, body condition, and fat metabolism in horses: The role of insulin resistance.” Equine Veterinary Journal, 41(5), 414-419.
2. Study on the Effect of Dietary Restrictions on Weight Loss
Another study, conducted by Morgan et al. (2015), focused on the effect of dietary restrictions and controlled movement on weight loss in overweight horses. In the study, overweight horses were placed on a restricted calorie diet, feeding mostly low-sugar roughage . In addition, the horses were given daily exercise.
The results of the study showed that horses that were restricted in their diets and exercised regularly lost significant weight and showed better insulin sensitivity. The study concluded that weight loss can be achieved through a combination of dietary restrictions and an increased exercise regimen, and that it is important to monitor horses’ body weight regularly to prevent them from developing obesity again.
Source: Morgan, R., Keen, J. A., & McGowan, C. M. (2015). “Treatment of equine metabolic syndrome: A clinical study.” Equine Veterinary Journal, 47(4), 432-437.
Conclusion
Obesity in horses is a serious problem that can lead to a variety of health problems, including insulin resistance, laminitis, and joint problems. Preventing obesity starts with a good balance between nutrition and exercise. Scientific studies show that reducing high-calorie feeds and increasing physical activity are the keys to a healthy body weight. In addition, it is important to regularly check your horse’s body score and adjust the diet if necessary.
By intervening early and maintaining a healthy weight, most of the health problems associated with being overweight can be prevented. The well-being of the horse should always be central, and this also means maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.