University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
Equine Vet J. 2010 Oct;42(7):600-10. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00110.x.
Increased prevalence of obesity among UK horses and ponies demands evidence-based advice to promote weight loss.
Restriction of dry matter intake (DMI) to 1% of body mass (BM, 67% [corrected] of predicted maintenance digestible energy [DE] requirements) would promote weight loss without compromise to health.
Five mature (mean ± s.e. 10 ± 2 years), overweight/obese pony mares (BM, 257 ± 20 kg: body condition score [BCS] 6.8/9 ± 0.5) were studied over 12 weeks. Animals were individually housed. Daily provision of a chaff-based, complete diet (measured DE, 8.5 MJ/kg DM) was restricted to 1% of actual BM as DMI daily. BCS, girth measurements and ultrasound-derived measures of subcutaneous fat depth overlying the gluteal region and 12th intercostal space (rib-eye) were recorded weekly. Body fat content was estimated at the beginning and end of the study by deuterium oxide dilution methods. Clinical biochemistry was monitored weekly. Behaviour was observed (24 h, 3/5 ponies) on 3 occasions.
BM decreased by 4.3 ± 1.1% during the first week and thereafter by 0.7 ± 0.1% of BM at end of Week 1 each week. BCS remained constant. Heart and belly girths, rump width and subcutaneous fat depth at rib-eye decreased significantly with time and BM. Fat comprised 45 ± 19% of BM loss. Fatter animals lost relatively more fat. With decreased feeding activity, time spent in 'play' and rest increased by 36 ± 11% and 438 ± 95%, respectively.
This plane of nutrition resulted in an overall rate of weight loss of 1% of outset BM weekly. BCS was not a useful index of early weight loss but heart and belly girths and subcutaneous rib-eye fat were identified as alternative markers.
This study provides an evidence-base for the management of weight loss in obese animals, especially those for which exercise may be contra-indicated.
英国马和矮种马肥胖症的发病率不断上升，这就需要有循证医学建议来促进减重。
将干物质摄入量（DMI）限制在体重的 1%（67%[修正]预测维持可消化能量[DE]需求），在不影响健康的情况下促进减重。
对 5 匹成熟（平均±标准误 10±2 岁）、超重/肥胖矮种母马（BM，257±20kg：体况评分[BCS]6.8/9±0.5）进行了为期 12 周的研究。动物单独饲养。每日限量供应以干草为基础的全价日粮（实测 DE 为 8.5MJ/kg DM），摄入量限制为实际 BM 的 1%，即 DMI 每日。每周记录 BCS、周长测量值和臀部区域及第 12 肋间的皮下脂肪深度的超声测量值。在研究开始和结束时，通过氘水稀释法估计体脂肪含量。每周监测临床生化指标。在 3 个时间点（3/5 匹马）观察行为。
第 1 周，BM 减少了 4.3±1.1%，此后每周减少 0.7±0.1%的 BM。BCS 保持不变。心脏和腹部周长、臀部宽度和肋眼处的皮下脂肪深度随时间和 BM 显著下降。脂肪占 BM 损失的 45±19%。肥胖程度较高的动物相对损失更多的脂肪。随着摄食活动减少，“玩耍”和休息时间分别增加了 36±11%和 438±95%。
该营养水平导致每周总减重率为起始 BM 的 1%。BCS 不是早期减重的有用指标，但心脏和腹部周长和肋眼处的皮下脂肪被确定为替代指标。
本研究为肥胖动物的体重管理提供了循证医学依据，特别是对那些不适合运动的动物。
