As it is a slow process, re-assess weight every 3-4 weeks to monitor progress. Try taking pictures from different angles such as from the front, from behind and a side angle. Taking pictures of the horse in the same background can also be a good visual of progress. However, a simple weight tape can also give a good estimate of the horse’s weight. Weight: An equine scale is best for measuring equine weight.Platinum Performance® GI increases feed efficiency and improves nutrient utilization. Pre- and probiotics are an extremely useful tool for digestive health as they nurture the beneficial microflora in the gastrointestinal tract.Flaxseed oil, such as Platinum Healthy Weight, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory calories and antioxidants. Fats such as oil contain a more concentrated way to provide calories in the diet.Beet pulp contains high levels of digestible fiber and offers more calories per pound than hay. Using a “Super Fiber” such as beet pulp is a healthy way to add calories.Adding alfalfa, either as loose hay, cubes or pellets can be beneficial in adding weight.
#Scoreland magazine posters free#
Providing free choice access to good quality hay is the cornerstone for healthy weight gain. Increasing the intake of good quality hay is preferred over adding carbohydrate-based grains and concentrates. Early maturity hay with a high leaf-to-stem ratio can promote weight gain. For an average 1000 lb horse, a single body condition increase may be approximately 40-50 lbs of body weight and take 60 days or more to increase depending on consistency of calories fed above maintenance. Horses that are extremely underweight with a BCS of 1 or 2 may have suppressed immunity and are at higher risk for contracting disease. Being underweight may affect overall health and athletic performance. Horses are generally considered to be underweight with a BCS ≤ 3. + Tips for Increasing Body Condition Score May have a slight positive crease (a groove) down backĬan feel ribs with pressure, but noticeable fat filling between ribsĪrea behind shoulder filled in flush with body Ribs can be easily felt, but cannot be visually distinguished.įat around tailhead beginning to feel soft Negative crease (peaked appearance) along back
Hook bones appear rounded, but are still easily discernible. Tailhead prominent but individual vertebrae cannot be visually identified.
Ribs easily discernibleįat buildup halfway on spinous processes, but easily discernible. Transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae feel rounded. Spinous processes are prominent with some fat covering over their base. Tailhead, pinbones, and hook bones projecting prominently