Body condition score bcs is a visual assessment of the amount of fat in a cows body. There are two different numerical systems. This helps ensure adequate body condition for opti mum reproductive performance. Body condition score bcs is an easy inexpensive but subjective method to evaluate the body tissue reserves of lactating cows independent of frame size and body weight bw. In both systems the high number 5 and 9 respectively refers to obese pets and a score of 1 refers to dangerously underweight pets. By using body condition scoring you can find out what kind of shape your horse is in and work to improve the score.

For bcs to be most helpful producers need to calibrate the system under their own conditions with their own cattle. Condition score cows and heifers in the herd to prop erly plan and adjust forage and feeding programs. A 5 point scale and a 9 point scale. The amount of fat stored by the animal is a direct reflection of the amount of energy and protein that the cow has consumed. During the early lactation period mobilization of body reserve for milk production induces a negative energy balance that has been reported to affect the reproductive. Body condition score was assessed by placing the mouse on a flat surface ie wire bar lid and holding the base of the tail with the thumb and index finger of one hand and scoring the degree of flesh and fat cover either by run ning the little finger of the same hand over the sacroiliac re gion or by palpating the sacroiliac region with the fingers of the opposite hand.

A nine grade system is commonly used by researchers in the united states. Body condition scores of females in the breeding herd should fall within a range of 5 to 7 from the beginning of the calving season throughout the breeding season. Of the 254 horses 216 were also given a bcs by their owners. Body condition scoring scale. Body condition scores bcs are an indirect estimate of energy balance. Body condition scores of the 254 horses varied from 3 to 9 fig.

Scoring focuses on critical areas of the body based on palpable fat and visual appearance. Veterinarians use a body condition scoring bcs system to help identify overweight or obese pets. Body condition scores bcs are numbers used to suggest the relative fatness or body composition of the cow. Frame score mature size and body condition score carcass data collection guidelines feed intake guidelines weaning adjusted 205 day weights weaning age of dam adjustment chart yearling adjusted 365 day weights yearling measurements foot scoring. Body condition scoring in dairy cattle is a visual and tactile evaluation of body fat reserves using a 5 point scale with 025 point increments. Excess energy intake is stored as fat and adequate protein intake results in maximal muscle deposition.

There was no effect of age p 010 or sex p 010 on the bcs but farm had an effect p 0001 data not shown.

Gallery of Measurement Body Condition Score