BODY CONDITION SCORE
Body condition score is used to trouble shoot problems and improve the
health and productivity of a dairy herd. Over weight/conditioned cows are
susceptible to metabolic problems, infections and non- infectious problems.
These cows are more likely to be affected by mastitis, retained placenta,
ketosis and lameness and also more likely to have dystocia.
Thin/under conditioned animals will have low milk production and fat content
because of insufficient energy and protein reserves.
Guiding score 1
The cow is emaciated
Ends of short ribs are sharp to touch and together give a shelf like
appearance
The hock bones are sharply defined
The anal region has receded and vulva appearance is prominent
Generally bone prominences are sharp and can be easily seen,
the back bone can be touched, hip bones, and ribs can easily
be touched.
Body condition score 2
The cow is thin
short ribs can be felt but their ends and individual vertebrate are not
visibly prominent
Body condition Score 3
Cows are in average body condition
Short ribs can be felt by applying slight pressure
The overhanging shelf-like appearance of these bones has gone.
The backbone is a rounded bridge
The anal area is filled out but there is no evidence of fat deposits.
Body condition 4
The cow is in a healthy condition
Individual short ribs can be felt only when firm pressure is applied
The short ribs are rounded over and no shelf effect
The ridge of the backbone is flattening over the loin and ramp region
Generally cows here are over conditioned and might have
calving problems
Body condition 5
The cow is fat
The bone structure of the topline hock, pin bones, and the short ribs is
not visible.
There is fat deposits around the tail bone and over the ribs
The thighs curve out
The brisket and flanks are heavy and rounded.
Generally the cow is over conditioned and there is risk of fatty
cow syndrome.