A study on obesity and risk factors among leisure and polo horses in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Despite the growing concern about the impact of obesity on equine health, little information is available on equine obesity in Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity in leisure and polo horses as well as associated risk factors in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 116 horses were selected for the study, and the modified Henneke method (1–9 scale) was used to assess body condition scores, with animals having a score of ≥ 7 classified as obese. Information regarding age, breed, and sex was documented, while information regarding feeding and management was obtained from a structured questionnaire. Factors associated with obesity were assessed using logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of obesity in horses sampled was 12.1 % (14/116). The prevalence of obesity in leisure horses (21.4 %) was higher than in polo horses (3.3 %). Factors associated with increased odds of obesity were being a local breed of horse (18.6 %), being a stallion (21.4 %), horses not being exercised (66.7 %), horses tethered to a stake in the ground (23.2 %), and horses fed ad libitum on concentrates (21.4 %). Knowing the prevalence of obesity in this population and associated risk factors will enable optimal targeting of owner education regarding management strategies to reduce the prevalence of equine obesity, reducing the risk of conditions such as laminitis and insulin dysregulation.