COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT WEIGHING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Knowledge of live weight in equines is crucial for various aspects, from veterinary care to performance and feeding considerations. Given the difficulty of finding scales on properties and the need for practicality, alternative methods are being developed, such as weight tapes and mathematical formulas. However, these methods have limitations and can either underestimate or overestimate the animals' actual weight, affecting practices such as medication administration. This study compared two weight estimation techniques using six different methods on 77 adult equines of varying ages and breeds. Techniques included commercial weight tapes and formulas based on morphometry. There was a tendency towards underestimation of weight in five out of six techniques, except for one weight tape. Weight tapes showed relatively high average variation compared to actual weight, while mathematical formulas yielded more consistent results. Specifically, one formula stood out for its lower variation compared to actual weight. Awareness of methodological differences is valid for clinical practice, and the results suggest that mathematical formulas may be more reliable for estimating weight in equines, with the Carroll; Huntington et al. (1988) formula showing the least variation relative to actual weight.