Body condition scoring
Under Body-condition scoring , even BCS refers to a body condition evaluation in animals. It is used primarily in cattle to assess the fat deposits and thus the nutritional status. Feeding can thus also be checked indirectly and performance can be exhausted.
Determination of the BCS condition
The body condition assessment is a subjective measure, since various points are estimated here and an overall result is determined. A scale from 1 to 5 is specified, the intermediate steps are 0.25.
| verbal | BCS grade | Back fat thickness in mm |
|---|---|---|
| very poor condition (emaciated) | 1 | <5 |
| Skeleton clearly visible | 2 | 10 |
| Balance between skeleton and meat | 3 | 20th |
| Meat fat preponderance | 4th | 30th |
| Much too fat | 5 | > 35 |
Since the condition cannot be recognized immediately, there are some clues from which the overall grade can be calculated. The following points are assessed here using the same system:
- Spinous processes
- Line connecting the spinous and transverse processes
- Transverse processes
- Transition to the hunger pit (right)
- Hip / ischial tuberosity
- Between the seat bone / hipbone
- Zone between hip bumps
- Basin exit pit
The individual grades of these points are added up and divided by 8 to obtain the average grade, the overall grade.
Target values
For dairy cows , a condition of 3–3.75 during the dry period and 2.5–3.5 during lactation is aimed for. During lactation there is a change in condition, which should not exceed 0.75 points. Milk production mobilizes reserves which are to be built up again in the dry period.
Too low a grade during lactation can lead to inadequate resistance. If the grade is too high shortly before calving, it can lead to illnesses as the cow does not eat enough after calving. Fertility problems can also manifest themselves through ovarian cysts , inactive ovaries and a lack of oestrus symptoms . It is therefore important for farmers to consistently pay attention to their physical condition in order to prevent diseases.
Alternatives
As an alternative, an ultrasound condition assessment is carried out. The back fat thickness is determined at a firmly defined point .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ LfL Bayern back fat thickness and BCS in comparison ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 153 kB)
