N.J. Admin. Code § 2:8-3.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 9, May 6, 2024

Section 2:8-3.2 - Feeding

(a) Each horse shall be assessed individually for purposes of determining compliance with the standards for feeding set forth in this section. Compliance with these standards shall not be determined by averaging the treatment or condition in a herd or group of horses.

1. Each horse must have daily access to sufficient and nutritious feed to allow for growth and maintenance of an adequate body condition, as determined pursuant to the criteria in (a)2 and 3 below.

2. Body condition can be measured using one of the following methods:

i. By direct measurement using a weight scale, when available, or by indirect measurement using a weight tape, when available; or

ii. The NJDA adopts and incorporates by reference the BCS method (hereinafter referred to as BCS-horse) described in the Carroll C.L., and Huntington P.J., Body Condition Scoring and Weight Estimation of Horses, Equine Veterinary Journal (1988) 20(1), (41-45) as amended and supplemented.

3. A copy of the document is on file in the Director's Office, Division of Animal Health, NJDA, Health and Agriculture Building, John Fitch Plaza, Trenton, New Jersey 08625. Copies of this document may be procured by contacting the Equine Veterinary Journal Ltd., 351 Exning Road, New Market, Suffolk, CB8 OAU, UK. Phone: +44 (0) 1638 666 160; Fax: +44 (0) 1638 668 665; Bookshop Direct Line Phone: +44 (0) 1638 663 853.

4. Each horse must have a BCS of at least a level 2.0 using the BCS-horse provided, however, a score lower than a 2.0 may be permitted for a reasonable period of time if stage or level of production, physiologic conditions, or other factors result in such an appearance, during which time the horse's management is being altered to improve the condition.

i. For purposes of (a)2ii above, a "reasonable period of time" refers to the amount of time it would be expected to take to restore an animal to an acceptable body condition, using diligent efforts to do so.

ii. A score of 1.0 is permitted at market.

5. If pasture alone does not provide sufficient nutrients to adequately maintain the BCS-horse, supplemental feeds must be provided in sufficient amounts to maintain the minimum acceptable BCS.

6. Horses unable to maintain a BCS-horse which meets the minimum score set forth in (a)2 and 3 above due to group feeding practices, must be fed in such a manner that allows the horse to maintain an acceptable BCS.

N.J. Admin. Code § 2:8-3.2