The amount of fat stored by the animal is a direct reflection of the amount of energy and protein that the cow has consumed. You should be able to see the waist behind the rib cage and the abdomen should tuck up when viewed from the side.
Can Body Condition Score Improve Beef Production The
Measurement body condition score. 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. The henneke body condition score system provides an accurate objective measure of the body fat a horse has accumulated. Body condition score bcs is a visual assessment of the amount of fat in a cows body. Of course this varies a bit by breed. Excess energy intake is stored as fat and adequate protein intake results in maximal muscle deposition. The nine point scale is relied on by veterinarians researchers and horse owners to describe the body condition of a horse in a consistent and universal manner.
Therefore it was hypothesized that current bcs could be accurately and indirectly predicted using a ewersquos lifetime liveweight liveweight change and previous bcs record. The ideal body condition score for dogs and cats is in the middle of each scoring system. Ribs palpable with difficulty. You should be able to feel the ribs without obvious fat over them. Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. The body condition score bcs in sheep ovis aries is a widely used subjective measure of body condition.
Waist is discernible viewed from above but is not prominent. Abdominal tuck may be present. Body condition score and liveweight have been reported to be statistically and often linearly related in ewes. Waist absent or barely visible. Body condition score over ideal ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering.
Gallery of Measurement Body Condition Score
