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=Body condition scoring in horses=

Because there are large differences in body shape between different horse breeds, it can be difficult to objectively decide whether or not a horse is under- or overweight. For this reason, body condition scoring (BCS) systems have been developed. Currently, the most commonly utilized scale is the 9 point Henneke scale, with a score of '1' for an emaciated horse, and '9' for an obese horse.

Anatomical regions used in Body condition scoring
The crest of the neck, the region immediately behind the shoulder, withers, barrel, loin, inner thigh, and the croup are the regions where fat is most commonly deposited. The side of the neck, withers, ribs, transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, tuber coxae, tuber ischii, and base of the tail are regions which become prominent when weight is lost.

Body Condition Scoring Chart
   chart

The "Ideal" BCS
Because each breed type and discipline has different requirements, the ideal BCS varies somewhat. Generally speaking, a BCS of 5-6 is considered normal. A BCS of 3 or less is a sign of malnourishment. This could be related to poor dentition, parasitism, ongoing disease, or inadequate caloric intake. Horses with a BCS of 7 or above are at increased risk for developing metabolic syndrome, laminitis, and exacerbating other ongoing lameness issues.

For certain competition horses in training, such as racehorses, a BCS of 4-5 is probably ideal. In a study of endurance horses at the Tevis cup, BCS correlated directly with success: no horses completed the race with a BCS of less than 3.0. In this study, each increase in BCS up to a BCS of 5.5 (the maximum for horses entered)improved the likelihood of completion. For certain show horses, such as in dressage, a BCS of 5-7 is more typical.

Studies in broodmares have shown a beneficial correlation with body fat. During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetus occupies a large area, decreasing the digestive capacity of the mare during the time of highest need. Therefore, some recommend a BCS of no less than 6 while entering their second trimester, with the goal of gradually increasing to a BCS of 7 and no more than 8 at the start of the third trimester. No problems associated with foaling are associated with these higher condition scores, but care should be taken to be sure that other problems related to heavier weights do not develop. Mares foaling with higher body condition scores have higher conception rates, and can maintain good lactation while losing weight. In order to maintain weight during lactation, mares in thin condition must be fed large amounts of concentrates, which increases their risk for laminitis and colic.

Shortcomings of BCS
While BCS remains the most accurate way to judge a horse's condition, problems can arise, particularly in unfit or aged horses. In these horses, a lack of muscling may not be related to malnourishment. These horses are more difficult to place in a BCS category because there may be conflicting evidence from one region to another. These horses should be evaluated with more emphasis to the regions behind the shoulder and at the tailhead, with less emphasis placed on the loin and ribs.

Muscle Development Score
A muscle development score (MDS) has been developed by Progressive Nutrition® as a coplement to the BCS scoring system. While this is a commercial endeavor, their system warrants attention as it is the only system to address muscling separate from BCS. The score rates muscling from the top level of A to the lowest level of E. This method attempts to augment the BCS system by adding a score that may reflect conditioning and nutritional quality, particularly amino acid content. Likely difficulties with this system would stem from breed type differences related to type and size of muscles.

MDS levels

 * A: Good back
 * B: Concave back but good loin
 * C: Concave loin but good croup
 * D: Concave croup but good stifles
 * E: Narrow stifles

The six point BCS
A six point BCS system was described by Carroll and Huntington in 1988. This method rates horses from 0-5, and follows similar guidelinies as the Henneke system. This method is not in wideapread use, likely because the Henneke system allows for more fine-tuning of the score. However, it is still used in veterinary journals in Canada.

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