Mean Body Condition Score Research Articles

Prediction of body condition score throughout lactation by random regression test-day models.

Regular monitoring of body condition score (BCS) changes during lactation is a crucial management tool in dairy cattle; however, the current BCS measurements are often discontinuous and unevenly spaced in time. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of random regression test-day models (RR-TDM) to predict BCS for the entire lactation in dairy cows even if the actual scoring is limited to one BCS record. The data consisted of test-day records of milk yield (MY), fat percentage (FP), protein percentage (PP) and BCS (based on a 9-point scale with unit increments; 1-9) collected from 2014 to 2022 in 128 herds in the Walloon Region of Belgium. In total, 20,698 test-day records on 2166 first-parity Holstein cows (2-12 with an average of 9.42 test-day records per cow) were available for MY, FP and PP; and 7985 records on the same animals (2-12 with an average of 3.68 records per cow) were available for BCS. To estimate the solutions, only one randomly selected BCS record per animal along with all her MY, FP and PP records were used, which were then used to predict BCS data (calibration set). The remaining BCS (1-11 with an average 2.86 BCS records per animal) were used to evaluate the goodness of the predictions (validation set). Multiple-trait RR-TDM was used to estimate (co)variance components through the average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) algorithm. Predicted BCS were grouped into nine classes as the original observed BCS used for comparison. Pearson correlation between the predicted and observed BCS, prediction error (PE), absolute prediction error (APE) and root mean squared prediction error (RMSE) were calculated. Mean (standard deviation; SD) BCS was 4.97 (1.01), 4.95 (1.07) and 4.98 (1.00) BCS units in the full, calibration and validation datasets, respectively. Pearson correlation between the observed and predicted BCS was 0.71, mean (SD) PE was 0.04 (0.52) BCS units, mean (SD) APE was 0.48 (0.53) BCS units and RMSE was 0.72 BCS units. These findings demonstrate the ability of RR-TDM to predict BCS for the entire lactation using a single BCS record along with available test-day records of milk yield and composition in Holstein dairy cows.

Effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs

BackgroundResearch on the effects of physical exercise on canine body composition is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score (BCS) and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs. Twenty-one healthy dogs of different breeds exercised together with their owners during an eight-week programme consisting of jogging and strength exercises. Standardised measurements were performed in triplicates with a measuring tape on standing dogs. Chest circumference was measured at three anatomical locations, abdomen at two and thigh at one. Data on bodyweight, BCS (9-point scale) and circumferences were analysed with mixed model repeated measures analyses to evaluate changes after the programme and effects of target distance.ResultsSeven dog owners choose a target distance of 2 km and 14 owners choose 5–10 km. Mean BCS decreased (P = 0.007) after the programme (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6) but there was no effect of target distance. Almost all chest and abdominal circumference measurements decreased (P ≤ 0.007) with the 2 km group driving the reduction in chest circumference and the 5–10 km group driving the reduction in abdominal circumference. In contrast, thigh circumference (28.8 ± 0.4 vs. 30.2 ± 0.4) increased (P = 0.007) while bodyweight was maintained. There were positive correlations between BCS and abdominal/chest ratios before and after the programme (Pearson correlation; R square ≤ 0.43, P ≤ 0.0012) but the mean ratio remained constant.ConclusionsResults indicated a redistribution between total body fat and muscle mass in body composition of normal weight to slightly overweight dogs after the physical exercise programme. The use of bodyweight alone was not a reliable evaluation method to complement the BCS assessment. However, repeated measurements of chest, abdominal and thigh circumference might aid in the assessment of body composition in dogs performing physical exercise. Further research should include a control group and objective evaluations of total body fat and lean mass, in order to investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a freestanding method for decreasing BCS and increasing muscle mass in overweight dogs.

Oral exposure to bisphenol S is associated with alterations in the oviduct proteome of an ovine model, with aggravated effects in overfed females

BackgroundBisphenol S (BPS) is a substitute for bisphenol A in plastic manufacturing and, as a potential endocrine disruptor, may alter the physiology of the oviduct, in which fertilization and early embryo development take place in mammals. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a daily dietary exposure to BPS combined with a contrasted diet on the oviduct fluid proteome using an ovine model.ResultsEighty adult cyclic ewes were allotted to four groups (20/group): overfed (OF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS in their diet, underfed (UF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS, and non-exposed controls in each diet group. After three months, the mean body condition score, plasma levels of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly higher in OF than in UF females. The proteins in collected OF samples (50 µg) were analyzed by nanoliquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). Overall, 1563 proteins were identified, among which 848 were quantified. Principal component analysis of the data revealed a clear discrimination of samples according to the diet and a segregation between BPS-exposed and non-exposed females in overfed ewes. Hierarchical clustering of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) identified two clusters of 101 and 78 DAPs according to the diet. Pairwise comparisons between groups revealed a stronger effect of BPS in OF than in UF females (70 vs. 24 DAPs) and a stronger effect of the diet in BPS-exposed than non-exposed females (56 vs. 36 DAPs). Functional analysis of DAPs showed an enrichment in metabolic processes, immune system, cell response to stress, and reproductive processes.ConclusionsThis work highlights for the first time the important impact of BPS on the oviduct proteome, with larger effects seen in OF than UF females. These results, together with previous ones, raise health concerns for everyone and call for a greater regulation of BPS in the food industry.

Genetic parameters for novel climatic resilience indicators derived from automatically-recorded vaginal temperature in lactating sows under heat stress conditions

BackgroundLongitudinal records of automatically-recorded vaginal temperature (TV) could be a key source of data for deriving novel indicators of climatic resilience (CR) for breeding more resilient pigs, especially during lactation when sows are at an increased risk of suffering from heat stress (HS). Therefore, we derived 15 CR indicators based on the variability in TV in lactating sows and estimated their genetic parameters. We also investigated their genetic relationship with sows’ key reproductive traits.ResultsThe heritability estimates of the CR traits ranged from 0.000 ± 0.000 for slope for decreased rate of TV (SlopeDe) to 0.291 ± 0.047 for sum of TV values below the HS threshold (HSUB). Moderate to high genetic correlations (from 0.508 ± 0.056 to 0.998 ± 0.137) and Spearman rank correlations (from 0.431 to 1.000) between genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) were observed for five CR indicators, i.e. HS duration (HSD), the normalized median multiplied by normalized variance (Nor_medvar), the highest TV value of each measurement day for each individual (MaxTv), and the sum of the TV values above (HSUA) and below (HSUB) the HS threshold. These five CR indicators were lowly to moderately genetically correlated with shoulder skin surface temperature (from 0.139 ± 0.008 to 0.478 ± 0.048) and respiration rate (from 0.079 ± 0.011 to 0.502 ± 0.098). The genetic correlations between these five selected CR indicators and sow reproductive performance traits ranged from − 0.733 to − 0.175 for total number of piglets born alive, from − 0.733 to − 0.175 for total number of piglets born, and from − 0.434 to − 0.169 for number of pigs weaned. The individuals with the highest GEBV (most climate-sensitive) had higher mean skin surface temperature, respiration rate (RR), panting score (PS), and hair density, but had lower mean body condition scores compared to those with the lowest GEBV (most climate-resilient).ConclusionsMost of the CR indicators evaluated are heritable with substantial additive genetic variance. Five of them, i.e. HSD, MaxTv, HSUA, HSUB, and Nor_medvar share similar underlying genetic mechanisms. In addition, individuals with higher CR indicators are more likely to exhibit better HS-related physiological responses, higher body condition scores, and improved reproductive performance under hot conditions. These findings highlight the potential benefits of genetically selecting more heat-tolerant individuals based on CR indicators.

Metabolic and productive parameters of lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions supplemented with plant polyphenol extract.

The impact of heat stress on dairy cattle leads to significant economic losses and a negative impact on the welfare of the animals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the nutritional additive (Thermoplus®) in dairy cows under postpartum heat stress conditions, and its effects on the metabolic profile, production and quality of milk. Eighteen lactating Holstein cows (8 multiparous and ten primiparous), in a free-stall system, with a mean body condition score (BCS) of 3.14 ± 0.05, live weight of 624.55 ± 18, 61kg, with initial mean days in milk (DIM) of 90 ± 10.11, were selected. The animals were grouped into a control (CG, n = 9) and a treatment (TG, n = 9). Both groups underwent 14days of diet adaptation, the TG received the basal diet supplemented with 50g of the additive, once a day, individually, while the control group received only the total diet. Data collection of metabolic and productive parameters were evaluated on days -14 (before adaptation), 1 (after the diet adaptation period), 16, 30, and 44. Milk, blood, and body condition score (BCS) were collected once a day, and heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were collected twice a day. Serum concentrations of albumin, calcium, magnesium, glucose, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) were evaluated. In the milk, the percentage of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were determined in each sampling. Milk yield was measured daily. Humidity and ambient temperature values were collected on the days of the collection every 30min, from 5:30 am to 5:00pm, to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). Statistical analyzes were performed using the SAS software (version 9.3, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The THI ranged from 62.22 to 79.47. Our findings showed that when the THI was greater than 72, the animals in the TG were able to maintain milk yield (Odds ratio (OD) = -0.0577,), and the animals in the CG had a greater chance of reducing it (OD = -0.2301). Multiparous cows in the TG had higher milk yield than CG (32.57 ± 0.34 vs 30.50 ± 0.36kg per day; P = 0.0078) and lower SCC (34.110 ± 6,940 vs 665.50 ± 214.41 cells per ml; P = 0.03), with the same percentages of total solids (P > 0.05). In multiparous metabolic markers, TG when compared CG had higher albumin concentrations (2.50 ± 0.07 vs 2.12 ± 0.07g/dl; < 0.001), equal PON-1 (P > 0.05), and higher BHBA levels (0.49 ± 0.03 vs 0.39 ± 0.04mmol/l). Primiparous from the CG had higher concentrations of NEFA (0.18 ± 0.02mmol/l) than multiparous from the same group (0.09 ± 0.02mmol/l) P = 0.0265. The use of the plant polyphenol extract in postpartum Holstein cows challenged by heat stress had beneficial effects on the production and health of the mammary gland in multiparous cows without decreasing milk solids. The non-reduction of the activities of the acute phase proteins indicates an immunomodulatory and inflammatory-reducing effect of the product used.

283 Identification of new or existing risk factors associated with the development of sow pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract A survey was conducted between March and December of 2022 to examine the variation between farms that had high and low pelvic organ prolapse (POP) rate. The objective was to identify new or existing risk factors associated with the development of POP, which could open new avenues for further investigation. Sow farms (n = 53) across 26 production systems located in the US, Canada, and Mexico were used. Sampling of farms was not random. High and low POP systems were selected within each region as well as high and low POP farms within each system. Over 800 variables related to general farm information and management, performance traits, reproductive management, replacement gilt management, gestation and farrowing practices, labor and health management, and nutrition were collected during farm visits. To be included in the analysis, at least 70% of observations were needed for continuous variables with at least 10% of observation for each category for categorical variables. Univariable models were fitted to identify variables associated with annualized POP rate for 2021. Variables with P ≤ 0.10 were selected for further analysis, with 94 predictor variables selected for principal components analysis (PCA). A factor analysis of mixed data was conducted, and results were then fitted into a hierarchical clustering on PCA, which segregated the data into three clusters: 2 with low POP (2.5%) and 1 with high POP (6.1%) prevalence (low vs high P &amp;lt; 0.05). The resulting clusters explained 33.7% of the variability in annualized 2021 POP rate. Differences between clusters were evaluated by Kruskall-Wallis test for numerical variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. High POP cluster farms had greater total piglets born over the years, greater number of sows per worker, greater annual gestation feed usage, and a lower mean body condition score at 16 wk of gestation compared with low POP cluster farms. High POP cluster farms had a decreased proportion of farms using conventional artificial insemination, a greater proportion of farms utilizing cup waterers in gestation for sows in group housing and in farrowing, and greater proportion of farms with a routine sleeving practice. High POP cluster farms compared with low POP cluster farms had greater gestation distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) inclusion level (14.6% vs 4.0%, SE 3.02), greater levels of standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) P% (0.49% vs 0.39%, SE 0.014), narrower analyzed Ca to STTD P ratio (1.7 vs 2.2, SE 0.06), and lower phytase inclusion and release (0.16% vs 0.09%, SE 0.014). These variables were also the predictors with the greatest R2 values in the univariable models. These observations suggest further research is needed to evaluate the connection between dietary Ca and P and pelvic organ prolapse.

Assessment of testicular stiffness in fertile dogs with shear wave elastography techniques: a pilot study.

Ultrasound of the testes is important in the evaluation of breeding dogs, and recently advanced techniques such as Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) have been developed. This study focused on evaluation of normal testicular stiffness in healthy and fertile male dogs, employing both qualitative (2D-SWE) and quantitative (pSWE, 2D-SWE) techniques. Nineteen dogs of various medium-large breeds aged 3.39 ± 2.15 years, and with a history of successful reproduction were included after clinical, B-mode and Doppler ultrasound of testes and prostate, and semen macro and microscopic evaluations. pSWE involved square regions of interest (ROIs) placed at six different points in the testicular parenchyma, while 2D-SWE depicted stiffness with a color scale ranging from blue (soft) to red (stiff), allowing a subsequent quantification of stiffness by the application of 4 round ROIs. The results showed a mean Shear Wave Speed (SWS) of 2.15 ± 0.39 m/s using pSWE, with lower values above the mediastinum compared to below, and in the center of the testis compared to the cranial and caudal poles. 2D-SWE demonstrated a uniform blue pattern in the parenchyma, and a mean SWS of 1.65 ± 0.15 m/s. No significant differences were found between left and right testes, above and below the mediastinum, or among breeds. No correlations were observed between mean SWS and body condition score, age, testicular and prostatic volume. Weight was positively correlated with mean SWS only by 2D-SWE. By performing semen analysis and enrolling only healthy and fertile adult dogs, we ensured both structural and functional integrity of the testes. This pilot study represents a valuable baseline data for testicular stiffness by both pSWE and 2D-SWE with a Mindray US machine in medium-large sized healthy and fertile dogs, pointing out the potential role of SWE in the non-invasive fertility assessment and management of breeding dogs.

National Beef Quality Audit-2022: Transportation, mobility, live cattle, and hide assessments to determine producer-related defects that affect animal welfare and the value of market cows and bulls at processing facilities.

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA)-2022 serves as a benchmark of the current market cow and bull sectors of the U.S. beef industry and allows comparison to previous audits as a method of monitoring industry progress. From September 2021 through May 2022, livestock trailers (n = 125), live animals (n = 5,430), and post-slaughter hide-on animals (n = 6,674) were surveyed at 20 commercial beef processing facilities across the U.S. Cattle were transported in a variety of trailer types for an average distance of 490.6 km and a mean transport time of 6.3h. During transit, cattle averaged 2.3 m2 of trailer space per animal indicating sufficient space was provided according to industry guidelines. Of all trailers surveyed, 55.3% transported cattle from an auction barn to a processing facility. When surveyed, 63.6% of all truck drivers reported to be Beef Quality Assurance certified. The majority (77.0%) of cattle were sound when evaluated for mobility. Mean body condition scores (9-point scale) for beef cows and bulls were 3.8 and 4.4, respectively, whereas mean body condition scores (5-point scale) for dairy cows and bulls were 2.3 and 2.6, respectively. Of the cattle surveyed, 45.1% had no visible live animal defects, and 37.9% had only a single defect. Of defects present in cows, 64.6% were attributed to an udder problem. Full udders were observed in 47.5% of all cows. Nearly all cattle were free of visible abscesses and knots (97.9% and 98.2%, respectively). No horns were observed in 89.4% of all cattle surveyed. Beef cattle were predominantly black-hided (68.9% and 67.4% of cows and bulls, respectively). Holstein was the predominant dairy animal observed and accounted for 85.7% of the cows and 98.0% of the bulls. Only 3.1% of all animals had no form of identification. Findings from the NBQA-2022 show improvements within the industry and identify areas that require continued education and research to improve market cow and bull welfare and beef quality.

203 The Effects of Daily Supplementation of Selected Probiotic and Postbiotic on the Microbiome of Adult Cats

Abstract Probiotics, defined as “live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” have been shown to beneficially affect health aspects, including body mass index, immune system modulation, and oxidative stress. There are still limited data on the microbiome and the probiotic effects in cats compared with humans. Looking into the feline microbiome could help us understand more about the gut health of these animals. This study was a complete randomized design with 36 cats [mean age = 4.98 1.97 yr; mean body condition score (BCS) = 6.33 1.08] divided into 3 treatments (n = 12/trt). Animals were fed a standard extruded commercial diet. The treatments used were control diet + placebo (maltodextrin carrier; CON), control diet + Probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis CECT8145; daily dosage: CFU/cat; PRO), and control diet + postbiotic (Heat-killed B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145; daily dosage: CFU/cat; POST). The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the effects of a selected probiotic and its heat-killed form on the feline microbiome. Fresh fecal samples were collected on days 0 and 90, DNA was extracted and sequenced using the method of ‘Whole Shotgun Sequencing’, abundance comparisons were carried out with the R limma voom package (3.48.3v) to find taxonomic groups and for pathway analysis, it was performed a differential abundance analysis at L3 between day 0 and 90 in each group and abundance comparisons between groups depending on time. Relative abundance of B. animalis increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) over time in cats in the PRO group, which suggests potential colonization of the B. animalis fed in the live form in the feline gut. Cats in the CON group had an increment abundance of metabolites involved in carbon metabolism pathways and amino acid biosynthesis when compared with PRO and POST, whilst there was a decrease in the abundance of membrane transport, biofilm formation, and bacterial motility pathways in the CON group. In conclusion, the use of the probiotic and postbiotic had a similar effect on the overall feline metabolism, although more studies are needed to determine if B. animalis subsp. Lactis CECT 8145 can induce beneficial outcomes to the feline microbiome.

Bodyweight and body condition scores of Australian British shorthaired cats, 2008-2017.

Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in companion animals today, and Australian British shorthair (BSH) cats have been shown to have a greater likelihood of being overweight relative to other cat breeds. The objectives of this research were to quantify bodyweight (BW) and body condition scores (BCSs) of BSH cats attending first opinion practice in Australia for the period 2008-2017 and to determine if: (1) being classified as overweight was associated with geographical location (urban versus rural and socio-economic index); and (2) BW recorded in the first 12 months of life was associated with length of life beyond 12 months. Electronic medical records from BSH cats were obtained from VetCompass Australia and used for BW and BCS analysis. Desexed males ( = 971) had the highest mean BW followed by entire males ( = 79), desexed females ( = 815), and entire females ( = 82). The desexed males, desexed females, and entire females had a mean BCS classified as overweight using a 1-to-9 point BCS scale. The entire male population was the only group with a mean BCS classified as ideal. No statistically significant association between BW and urban-rural status and no consistent trend between BW and socioeconomic deprivation was found. For cats with at least one BW measurement in the first 12 months of life that was ≤3.3 kg, the age when 20 percent of the group had died or were euthanised was 12.3 (95% CI 11.7 to 13.1) years. For cats with at least one BW measurement in the first 12 months of life that was ≥3.3 kg age, the age when 20 percent of the group had died or were euthanised was 6.6 (95% CI 5.2 to 6.6) years. This was a substantial clinical difference in survival. The study concluded that a large proportion of BSH cats attending first opinion veterinary clinics in Australia between 2008 and 2017 (48%) were classified as overweight. Cats less than 12 months of age that were greater than 3.3 kg had a shortened lifespan beyond 12 months of age compared with cats that were less than 3.3 kg.

Effect of dietary supplementation of inulin with low and high concentrate diet on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Barbari goats

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of inulin on growth performance, feed conversion and nutrient digestibility in Barbari goats fed high and low concentrate diet for a period of 90 days. Twenty four yearling female Barbari goats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=6) according to average body weight (18.24±1.16 kg). Treated animals in Group 1 were fed low concentrate diet (LCD; concentrate roughage ratio 40:60) and Group 2 (LCIN) with 2% inulin supplementation (% DM basis). Similarly, Group 3 was fed high concentrate diet (HCD; concentrate roughage ratio 60:40) and Group 4 (HCIN) with 2% inulinsupplementation. Results showed that average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were higher in inulin supplemented groups than the non-supplemented group. There was no increase in mean live body weight (BW) and dry matter intake (DMI) with inulin supplementation either in LCD or HCD treatment groups.The mean body condition score (BCS) was also similar in all groups. However, faecal score (FS) was superior in inulin supplemented group observed after 30 days of feeding trial. There was significant improvement in the digestibility coefficient of crude protein and DCP intake. It was concluded that inulin supplementation either in high concentrate and low concentrate diet of growing goats resulted in improvement in growth performance, faecal score and nutrient digestibility.

Temporada corta de reprodución controlada com ovejas Santa Inês criadas em clima tropical húmedo

The objective of this work was to evaluate the adoption of management techniques that could allow for a shorter controlled breeding season. In three consecutive mating seasons (MS1: September/2021, n=45; MS2: June/2022, n=42 and MS3: March/2023, n=43), lactating Santa Ines ewes, multiparous, aged between two and four years, mean live weight of 62.20 ± 4.60 kg and mean body condition score of 3.4 ± 0.4 (scale 1-5), two vasectomized males and two breeding rams with prior andrological evaluation, one Santa Ines and one Dorper. A pre-mating period was implemented with biostimulation using vasectomized males for 21 days. After this period, on day 0 (D0), an IM injection of 120.5µg of cloprostenol, a prostaglandin F2alpha analogue (PGF2α), was performed and estrus was observed until D3; ewes with identified estrus were mated by the breeding rams, as per controlled breeding. Ewes that did not show estrus were submitted to a second IM injection of PGF2α seven days after the first dose (D7), then repeating the management of estrus observation and controlled mating. Ewes were allowed three attempts at conception. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography (D30). During biostimulation, 100% of the ewes showed estrus in the three mating seasons. There was no significant difference in performance between seasons (P&gt;0.05). From the total of ewes in season (n= 130), 90.0% (n=117) became pregnant, 71.5% (n=93) in the first, 13.9% (n=18) in the second and 4.6% (n= 6) in the third mating. Prior biostimulation was efficient in inducing estrus to lactating Santa Ines ewes and the use of PGF2α was sufficient to synchronize estrus and generate a shorter controlled breeding season with up to three matings, presenting an efficient method to concentrate births and standardize allotments of lambs in a production system under humid tropical climate.

Productive and Reproductive Efficiency of Ewes Kept on Tropical Pastures as a Function of the Suckling Lamb Treatments

The aim of the research was to evaluate the productive and reproductive performances of ewes as a function of the supplementation offered to suckling lambs. The lambs were divided into two experimental treatments. Treatment (1) suckling lambs kept in pastures of Brachiaria-grass receiving mineral supplementation; and treatment (2) suckling lambs kept in pastures of Brachiaria-grass receiving concentrate supplementation in creep-feeding. Regardless of the nutritional treatment offered to the lambs, all matrices (female lambs and ewes) received 350 g of supplementation daily. Ewes from treatment-1 presented average 49 days to return to estrus. Ewes from treatment-2 presented, on average, 36 days to return to estrus. The body condition score (BCS) at weaning showed a significant difference between treatments. Ewes from treatment-1 presented a mean BCS of 1.75. Ewes from treatment-2 presented a mean BCS of 2.39. The other productive variables of lambs, such as weaning weight (kg), age at weaning (days), total weight gain (kg), and average daily gain of lambs, presented a significant difference between the nutritional treatments. Variables such as return to estrus and BCS were positively influenced by supplementation offered to lambs, which directly impacts the production efficiency and profitability of the production system. The lamb supplementation promotes indirect gains in the body condition score of ewes at weaning and, consequently, in the time to return of estrus in 13 days. Protein-energy supplementation in creep feeding to suckling lambs is recommended to improve the body condition score at weaning and decrease the return to estrus (days) of ewes. This nutritional tool is recommended to improve the supply of leaves and provide the best conditions for the selection and use of nutrients present in the leaves.

79 Investigation of body condition scores, feedstuff, and feed intake in a racing pony population in West Nusa Tenggara

A healthy body condition is essential for equine health and performance. Therefore, recognizing equine body condition and adjusting nutritional management are required for the best output. This study aimed to determine: 1) general feeding practice and desired body condition scores (BCS) by the owners, 3) body condition scores and morphometric measurements, and 2) feedstuffs used and estimated nutritional intake, of racing ponies in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. An online initial survey form was sent to the farmers via Whatsapp and Facebook groups. The form also included a list of pictures of ponies with different BCS. Owners were asked if the ponies in the pictures were ideal for racing purposes. Fifty-two pony owners filled in the survey and 21 owners of 54 ponies that actively raced signed up for the next part of the study. The ponies’ age was 3.6 ± 3.6 years. Meanwhile, the breeds consisted of 37% (20/54) Sumbawa ponies, 25.9% (14/54) Sandalwood-cross ponies, 20.4% (11/54) Sandalwood ponies, 11.1% (6/54) Flores ponies, and 3.7% (2/54) Lombok ponies. Ponies were accessed, BCS and cresty neck scores (CNS) were assessed, and morphometric parameters were measured. These were also used to estimatebodyweight. Feeds were weighed, identified and sent for nutritional analysis. Owners’ answers indicated that they were aware of the importance of nutrition and proper body conditions for their ponies. Moreover, the highest agreement on how ideal a pony for racing was on a pony with BCS 5.5. Furthermore, mean BCS of ponies signed up for this study was 5.16 ± 0.5 (out of 9). The most commonly fed forage species were Cynodon dactylon, Leersia hexandra, and Eulalia aurera, with rice bran as the main concentrate. Mean DE intake was ∼1 Mcal above NRC recommendation. Mean protein intake was 19% higher than NRC recommendation. Calcium intake was below NRC recommendation with phosphorus intake above NRC recommendation. The calcium: phosphorus ratio was concerning as phosphorus intake was 5 times calcium intake. Finally, owners’ answers (21/21) indicated that they would need educational materials about equine nutrition, particularly on feeding balanced diets for the animals.

32 Exercise versus feed restriction: What is the most efficient weight loss option for your fat horse?

In first world countries, 45–75% of domesticated horses are considered overweight. Accumulation of excessive fat mass puts horses at risk for co-morbidities such as systemic inflammation and osteoarthritis. The objective was to characterize weight loss in overweight horses during 10 weeks of feed restriction, exercise, or both. Thirty-two horses, 4 geldings and 28 mares, mean age of 14 ± 4, with a body condition score (BCS) of at least 7/9, were fed controlled, individualized hay feedings 3 times a day with a concentrate meal. Diets were based on horse's body weight (BW) (kg) and calculated using FeedXL. Horses were randomly allocated into one of 4 treatment groups, Daily Exercise (E), Feed Restriction (FR), Feed Restriction & Daily Exercise (FRE), or unrestricted sedentary Control (C). The C and E horses were fed 100% of their Digestible Energy (DE) requirements, while FR and FRE horses were fed 85%. The E and FRE groups underwent submaximal unridden exercise, with a consistent working heart rate of 150 bpm, for 20 min, 5 times a week, with a walking warm-up and cooldown, with the approximate DE loss of 15% based on the NRC. In wk 1, 5 and 10, morphometric measurements were recorded, including BW (kg, via weight tape), cresty neck score (CN) (/5), whole body BCS (/9) and individual BCS (/9) for 8 different anatomical locations. Original mean BCS for all treatment groups was 7 ±0.2. Original BW (kg) for each of the treatment groups are as follows: C 486 ± 11, E 501 ± 11, FR 485 ± 12, and FRE 469 ± 11. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS Studio. Data were analyzed using 1-Way RM ANOVA for individual treatments and 2-Way RM ANOVA to determine significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects of and interactions between time and treatment. There was a reduction in BW across time for all groups (P < 0.0001). The mean weight loss (kg) for each treatment group are as follows: C 28kg, E 31kg, FR 27kg, FRE 36kg. The CN score was reduced in E and FRE horses (P = 0.01; P = 0.02). Whole body BCS was reduced in E (P < 0.0001), FR (P = 0.001) and FRE (P < 0.0001). Treatment group affected anatomical BCS of the tailhead and shoulder (P = 0.05 and P = 0.01), with FRE having the greatest reduction (P = 0.0005 and P = 0.001,). Anatomical BCS loss at the withers was found to have an interaction between time and treatment (P = 0.02). In conclusion, although all horses lost BW, there were differences in how the treatment groups lost fat mass, with exercise programs having a significant effect on the change in CN, tailhead and shoulder fat mass. Therefore, the most efficient weight loss program, is that of combining both daily exercise and feed restriction.

Assessment of Body Condition Score of Ganjam Doe and its Relationship with Physical Attributes

The present work was designed during March to June, 2021 to study the Body Condition Score (BCS) of Ganjam doe in its native tract and to find out its relationship with various physical attributes such as body weight (BWT), pin shoulder length (PS), height at withers (HW), heart girth (HG), abdominal girth (AG) and thigh circumferences (TC) in the villages of Nayagarh district, Odisha, India. The study was conducted on 102 Ganjam does maintained in the farmers’herd. BCS scale of 1 to 5 with 0.5 increments was used to score the does. The does were divided into groups according to their age (up to 3 yrs and above 3 yrs). The number of does with BCS of 2.00, 2.50, 3.00, 3.50, 4.00 and 4.50 were 25, 10, 21, 4, 22 and 20, respectively. The mean BCS, BWT, PL, HW, HG, AG and TC of Ganjam goats were 3.24, 27.80 kg, 59.73 cm, 64.40 cm, 70.62 cm, 88.28 cm and 28.24cm, respectively. All the physical parameters showed an increased trend from BCS range of 2.00 to 4.50. However,does having BCS ranges within 3 to 4.5 were maximum in the population. The BCS, BWT and all physical parameters were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in the flock above 3 yrs. The BCS was positive and significantly (p&lt;0.01) correlated with BWT (0.974), PS (0.889), HW (0.919), HG (0.955), AG (0.833) and TC (0.509). BCS was used to evaluate feeding programs, judge health status, and make management decisions to maximize reproduction and output.

Visual Assessment of Adiposity in Elite Hunter Ponies.

Obesity is a critical problem in the equine industry, with ponies being at particularly high risk of developing obesity-related conditions such as metabolic syndrome and laminitis. The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of adiposity in an elite level of competitive show ponies, and to determine if adiposity was related to performance based on their model score (judged on conformation and appearance). Two researchers visually evaluated the body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS) of 377 ponies at a national hunter competition. Thirty five percent of the ponies in the competition were considered obese, with BCS scores of 7 or higher. Mean BCS of the ponies was 6.7 ± 0.6 with a range of 5.25 - 8.25 and mean CNS was 2.8 ± 0.6, with a range of 1.75 - 4.5. Medium ponies had higher BCS (P<0.0001) and higher CNS (P=0.015) than the large ponies. There was a tendency for a relationship between body condition score and the model score in all ponies (r=0.08; P=0.059), and this was stronger within the large ponies (r =0.20; P <0.01). These findings show that elite competition ponies are dangerously overweight and that adiposity may influence performance in a judged event. This is of grave concern to the horse industry and needs to be addressed.

Changes in gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids are involved in the process of canine obesity after neutering.

Neutering is a significant risk factor for obesity in dogs. Changes in gut microbiota and its metabolites have been identified as a key player during obesity progression. However, the mechanisms that promote neuter-associated weight gain are not well understood. Therefore, in this study, sixteen clinically healthy Beagle dogs (6 male and 10 female, mean age = 8.22 ± 0.25 mo old) were neutered. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded at 1 d before neutering, 3, 6, 10, 16, and 21 mo after neutering. Dogs were grouped based on their BCS as ideal weight group (IW, n = 4, mean BW = 13.22 ± 1.30 kg, mean BCS = 5.00 ± 0.41) and obese group (OB, n = 12, mean BW = 18.57 ± 1.08 kg, mean BCS = 7.92 ± 0.82) at 21 mo after neutering. Serum lipid profile, glucose, and hormones and fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured. Our results showed that OB dogs had greater (P < 0.0001) BW (18.57 vs. 13.22 kg), BCS (7.92 vs. 5.00), and average daily gain (12.27 vs. 5.69 g/d) than IW dogs at 21 mo after neutering, and the obesity rate was up to 60%. In addition, significant increases (P < 0.05) in serum triglyceride (TG, 1.10 vs. 0.56 mmol/L) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 6.96 vs. 5.40 mmol/L) levels and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum adiponectin (APN, 54.06 vs. 58.39 μg/L) level were observed in OB dogs; serum total cholesterol (4.83 vs. 3.75 mmol/L) (P = 0.075) and leptin (LEP, 2.82 vs. 2.53 μg/L) (P = 0.065) levels tended to be greater in OB dogs; there was a trend towards a lower (P = 0.092) APN/LEP (19.32 vs. 21.81) in OB dogs. Results of fecal microbial alpha-diversity showed that Observed_species and Chao1 indices tended to be lower (P = 0.069) in OB dogs. The STAMP and LEfSe analyses revealed that OB dogs had a greater (P < 0.05 and LDA > 2) reduction in relative abundances of Bacteroides, Prevotella_9, and Megamonas than IW dogs. In addition, OB dogs also had greater (P < 0.05) reduction in fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations than IW dogs. Moreover, clear negative correlations (|r| > 0.5 and P < 0.05) were found between SCFAs-producing bacteria and BW, TG, and HDL-C. The functional predictions of microbial communities based on PICRUSt2 analysis revealed that lipid metabolism and endocrine system were significantly disturbed in obese dogs after neutering. Thus, intervention with SCFAs-producing bacteria might represent a new target for the prevention or treatment of canine obesity after neutering. Moreover, weight control before neutering may also contribute to the prevention of canine obesity after neutering.

Veterinary aid clinic assessments of working ponies in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia: A retrospective study

Working ponies in the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province of Indonesia are relied upon as the principal mode of transport. They have important cultural, logistical and One Health significance for the local community. Given the tropical climate, these ponies face well recognised health and welfare challenges. Parameters relating to the general health and welfare of the ponies were assessed following data analysis of clinical records from three veterinary clinics held in 2018 and 2019. Records relating to 454 clinical examinations of ponies (n=365 stallions) aged between 1 to 25 years (mean 7.59 ± 4.70) were analysed. The mean body condition score (1 to 5 scoring system) across all clinics was 2.89 (±0.49; range 1.5, 4.5), with no significant difference between clinics (P= 0.297). The majority of ponies (84.57%; 95% CI 80.50, 87.92; 307/363) assessed presented with tachypnoea, 37.24% presented with tachycardia (95% CI 32.78, 41.92; 159/427), 14.80% (95% CI 11.10, 19.46; 41/277) recorded rectal temperatures considered hyperthermic (>38.5°C), and 38.0% did not show obvious evidence of sweating (95% CI 32.21, 44.16; 95/250). Ponies examined at the April/May 2019 clinic were more likely to be considered hyperthermic (P=0.009) and/or presented with tachycardia (P<0.001), whereas ponies examined in the November 2019 clinic were more likely to present with tachypnoea (P=0.001). In general, the objective measures of body condition and health indices of these ponies were considered adequate. Some abnormalities relating to prolonged recovery following exercise whilst working were considered likely related to thermoregulatory stress. Parasite burdens were found to be low, no haemoprotozoan parasites were detected and median faecal egg count was zero. Measures to encourage cooling and greater frequent rest periods continued surveillance and monitoring the health of these ponies will result in both enhanced welfare and advances in One Health initiatives.

Zeolite-supplemented diets in the prenatal period affected postpartum reproductive parameters, colostrum production, and body condition score of dairy cows.

The effect of zeolite on Ca plasma concentration, reproductive parameters, body condition score (BCS), and colostrum properties was evaluated in Holstein dairy cows during the postpartum period. Sixty pregnant cows were allocated to three experimental groups, including 1) a control (CON) diet; 2) a CON diet + 0.75% dry matter (DM) zeolite (100 gm/day/cow); and 3) a CON diet + 1.5% DM zeolite (200 gm/day/cow). Experimental diets were fed to cows during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Blood sample evaluation for Ca concentration was done. The prevalence of hypocalcemia and reproductive parameters, including BCS and colostrum properties, was also measured. Total Ca and ionized calcium (Ca++) concentrations in plasma at 6 and 12 h after calving were higher in zeolite-consuming cows than those in CON s (p < 0.01). Mean frequencies for severe and subclinical hypocalcemia in zeolite-consuming cows were 11.64% and 19.36% lower than those in the CON group, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean pregnancy efficiency of these cows was also 12.94% higher than the CON (p < 0.01). The mean BCS (p ≤ 0.05) and colostrum quality (p < 0.01) of zeolite-consuming cows were at maximum, but their mean colostrum yield was lower than that of the CON group (p < 0.01). Zeolite dietary supplementation at levels of 0.75% and 1.5% DM of the preparturient diet is recommended for better CON of hypocalcemia, improved BCS and colostrum quality, and better prevention of postpartum reproductive disorders in dairy cows.