Additional information

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a simple method to control the energy supply of single dairy cows as well as for the entire herd. Cows are scored on appearance and by palpation of body fat stores in certain body regions. Why is it useful and when should it be assessed? The method described by the FIBL factsheet is a good management tool which allows an easy and swift assessment of the animals´nutritional status at regular intervals - allowing early detection and correction of errors in feeding practices.

Especially too high body reserves and too high milk production in early lactation may cause negative health effects in dairy cows: Cows that accumulate too many body reserves during the late lactation period and the dry period can experience problems during subsequent calving and they may develop metabolic disorders. Such cows have a lower feed intake after calving; they feed on their body reserves and mobilise body fat - due to high milk production. As a result, these cows tend to develop liver disorders and ketosis (acetonaemia), which in turn can cause further diseases, such as fertility disorders.

Regular body condition scoring during the lactation period and the dry period provides a good indication of an animal´s nutritional status. It is particularly important to compare the body condition scores (BCS values) measured in the period around birth with those after 60 lactation days.



How is it done?



Different body regions are assessed in sequence. When a certain assessment point meets the defined criterion (see figures in the factsheet) the relevant score is recorded (and no further assessment is needed).