body condition scoring - texas a&m university
TRANSCRIPT
Priority of Nutrient UseCattleman’s perspective
1. Reproduction2. Lactation3a. Maintenance3b. Growth
Emerging Issues Most Frequently Cited
Packers1. Bruises2. Antibiotic Residues3. Birdshot/Buckshot4. Arthritic Joints 5. Yield (DP & product)6. Condition (leanness)7. Condemnation Rate
Affiliated Organizations1. Pricing & Prompt Payment2. Antibiotic Residues3. National ID & Verification4. Pathogen Control5. Injection-site Lesions6. Birdshot/Buckshot7. Anti-microbial Resistance
National Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit (NCBA/CSU, 1999)
Fat cows are Wasty
Concern Trim loss
Remember, the primary productharvested from cull cows/bulls is lean red meat.
Effect of Body Condition on Rebreeding by 1st Calf Santa Gertrudis Heifers
01020304050607080
% bred
4 5 6 7
BCS @ calving
40 d postcalving 80 d postcalving Sprott & Wilbank
Effect of Body Condition on Rebreeding by 1st Calf Hereford Heifers
0102030405060708090
% bred
4 5 6
BCS @ calving
120 d postcalving 180 d postcalving
Sprott & Wilbank
Body Condition Score vs.Conception Rate (Florida study, mature cows)
Kunkle, Sand & Rae
0102030405060708090
100
2 3 4 5 6 7BCS @ calving
% bred
Kunkle, Sand & Rae
Body Condition Score vs.Conception Rate
Kunkle, Sand & Rae
0
20
40
60
80
100
3 4 5 6 7BCS @ palpation
% bred
1 2 3 to 10 >10Texas A&M data
883 cows# calves
calving
weaning(6-10 mo.)
2-4 mo.
Priority1. maintenance2. growth2. lactation4. reproduction
Lowest nutrient requirements
time
BodyWt.
Highest nutrient demandand
rebreeding
Most efficient time to increase body condition
Optimal body condition score at calving for HEIFERS is slightly higher than cows,
BUT, heifers should not be over-conditioned.
Relationship of Parity and BCS to Pregnancy Rate
0
20
40
60
80
100
% Bred
<3 4 >5BCS
1 2 3 4 to 7 8+ All
Rae et al., 1993Parity
Look at the following slides and make your assessment of the cow’s body condition. Then left-click to reveal the condition score.
Body Condition ScoreSummary
1. Related to reproduction2. Reflects nutrient intake3. Indicator of forage
availabilityquality