Body condition score
Body condition score is the main driver of breeder performance. Body condition score is a visual assessment of overall fleshing, including fat and muscle tissue. Body condition score is usually described on a 1–5 scale. The scale can be categorised as follows:
1. Poor
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no fat cover
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very low level of muscle tissue
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skeletal definition very pronounced.
2. Backward store
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light muscle tissue cover
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skeletal definition pronounced, particularly the backbone and rear ribs.
3. Moderate
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a reasonable degree of muscle tissue present but no significant levels of fat
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neither the backbone nor ribs are prominent
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pins are filled out and hip remains prominent.
4. Forward store
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even coverage of muscle and fat
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skeletal definition smoothly rounded.
5. Fat
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significant levels of fat
- skeletal definition lost.
Poor and backward store body condition is one of the main impediments to resumption of cycling in breeders. Cows need to have a body condition of score of three or greater at calving to have a chance of reconceiving and calving within 12 months.
Body condition score can be managed using the following strategies, in order of importance:
- stocking rate
- weaning
- supplementation
- pregnancy testing and breeder segregation.