Extension app records horse body condition score
March 31, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Extension horse specialists from Purdue University and the University of Nebraska have developed an app that enables smartphone users to calculate a horse's body condition score and record the score with a photo of the horse.
The HorseBCS app will be helpful for any horse owner or other trained equine professional. Law enforcement personnel also will benefit from the app, along with 4-H'ers and their leaders, as they learn the proper technique of caring for a horse.
"It's a numerical system where you assign a number based on some physical parameters that measure how much fat is covering the horse's body," said Colleen Brady of Purdue Extension. "Body condition scoring is a vital part of monitoring your horse's health and assessing your feeding program. Changes in body condition can be indicators of other health issues, as well."
Brady partnered with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialist Kathy Anderson in developing the app.
In additional to the mobile app, there is also a desktop application that syncs with the mobile device and allows the user to print their condition score records or save them with their other horse management files.
For more information about HorseBCS, visit www.tinyurl.com/horsebcsapp. The app is available at iTunes and Google Play for $1.99.
Writer: Carlee Glassburn, 765-496-2384, cglassbu@purdue.edu
Source: Colleen Brady, 765-494-8433, bradyc@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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