Body Conditioning Score

Body Conditioning Score



Basic Information image



Overview and Goal(s)




• Developed at Texas A&M University over 25 years ago as an applicable method to compare horses based on their stored body fat.


• Fat deposition


image In most mammals, fat deposition occurs in a very dependable pattern.

image Initial body fat deposition occurs in the areas of the vital organs, the ribs, and spine, providing both protection and a local source of maintenance energy.

image Fat then begins to accumulate in those areas of greatest need, the major muscle groups.

image In the horse, fat is deposited across the rump and along the shoulders. If additional excess energy continues to be consumed, fat is deposited along the neck and thighs.

image Internal fat deposition differs from species to species. The horse is unique in that the vast majority of stored body fat lies on the outside of the musculature. Horses have relatively little internal body fat under normal conditions. Therefore using these areas to estimate body fat content in the horse is very accurate.


Possible Complications and Common Errors to be Avoided




• Problems with the body condition scoring system:


image The first problem lies in the accuracy of the system. This system is designed to estimate body condition by estimating stored body fat. It is a subjective score based on objective measurements. Accuracy of scoring by the same individual is quite high. However, accuracy between evaluators will vary. Competent evaluators should be within one body condition score of each other on the same animal.

image Another problem is the tendency of evaluators to overestimate horses on the high end of the system. From the original research, a number 9 horse will have approximately 30% body fat. With the exception of horses with endocrine problems, encountering a true number 9 is very rare.

image Finally, there is often a misconception between fatness and fitness. Examination of mammals that depend on athleticism for survival (speed, strength, quickness) indicates that the individual animal strives to maintain fat reserves that produce the most efficient bioenergetics for muscle utilization. Their body tends to regulate energy intake with energy need. Some horses perform best as a number 7 while others are best as a 4. Ideal body condition of an equine athlete should depend on the performance of the individual, not on the preconceived ideas of the owner. Exercise does a much better job of regulating energy intake and fat deposition than does restricting feed intake and produces far fewer digestive problems.
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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Body Conditioning Score

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