Body Condition Scoring in Beef CattlePresented to: Mr. Peter HansonPresented by: Dayna Williams

Cherise ShorttsIteisha Baker

Date: February 28, 2013

Body condition scoring is a management tool that can

be used to evaluate the nutritional status of beef cattle.

Body condition (fat cover) is an indication of energy

reserves of a beef animal.

It is important in beef production because it influences

subsequent reproductive and growth performance.

Why Condition Score ?

Condition scoring is a technique for

assessing the condition of livestock at

regular intervals. The purpose of

condition scoring is to achieve a balance

between economic feeding, good

production and good welfare.

These are the:

Ribs

- Fore ribs

- 12th and 13th

Backbone/Spinous Processes

Transverse Processes

Hooks/hip

Tail head

Pins

Shoulder

Stifle

Brisket

No palpated fat is detectable over the

spinous processes, ribs, or hooks. The tail

head and ribs appear very prominent

Animal is still somewhat emaciated but the

tail head and ribs are less prominent.

Individual spinous processes are still sharp to

the touch. Some tissue cover id present over

the ribs toward the top of the back

Individual ribs including fore ribs are easily

identified but are not quite as sharp to the

touch. Some fat can be felt along the spine

and over the tail head. Some tissue cover is

present over the ribs toward the top of the

back.

Individual ribs may not be visually obvious.

Individual spinous processes can be felt when

palpated but feel rounded rather than sharp.

Some fat cover is present over the ribs,

transverse processes

Overall appearance is generally good. Fat

cover over ribs feels spongy. Palpable fat

cover is present on either side of the tail

head

A high degree of palpable fat exists over the

ribs and around the tail head. Firm pressure

is needed to feel the spinous processes

Considerable fat cover is present with a

fleshy overall appearance. Fat cover over the

ribs and around the tail head is very spongy.

Fat “pones” or “rounds” may be starting to

form along the tail head.

The animal is very fleshy and appears

overconditioned. Palpation of the spinous

processes is near impossible. Large fat

deposits are present over the ribs and around

the tail head. Fat pones around the tail head

are obvious.

The overall appearance is blocky with

extremely wasty and patchy fat cover. The

tail head and hooks are buried in fatty tissue

with fat pones protruding. Bone structure is

no longer visible and barely palpable. Large

fatty deposits may even impair animal

mobility.

Body condition scoring is important because

It is used as a tool to help optimize

production

evaluate health

assess nutritional status

On average, most cows, especially beef

cows, score in the range of 3 to 7 throughout

the year. A cow is expected to be in optimal

body condition (BCS 5-7) before calving. She

may lose condition after calving and possibly

into the breeding season. She may gain

condition and weight as weaning approaches

(there is adequate forage) and continue

gaining fetal weight and any needed body

condition in late gestation.

Body condition should be evaluated and

recorded four times a year.

at weaning

60-90 days before calving

at calving.

and at the beginning of the breeding

system/season.

Body condition is one of the most important

things to know about when raising cattle.

In breeding animals (cows, heifers and bulls),

body condition is closely related to the

fertility and forage convertibility.

In beefers (steers and heifers raised for beef

production), it determines health, ability to

gain, and when the animals are ready for

slaughter.

To make body condition less extreme, you

must first understand what body scoring is.

You must get the cattle in.

You must try and eye up the general

condition of the cow.

You have to work on the animal's right

side.

You should start with the area over the last

rib and the spine above that point.

You should always note the body condition

score of each cow that you do.

Repeat with other cows that are to be

scored.

Any Questions?