Body Condition

Scoring (BCS)
COURSE: ELECTRONIC FARMING I VM564
INSTRUCTOR: DR. MUHAMMAD AL-ASHRAM
Objective

 Body condition scoring (BCS) is a useful

management tool for distinguishing differences
in nutritional needs of cows in the herd.

 Monitoring body condition using the BCS system

is an important managerial tool for assessing
production efficiency.
The Anatomic Guideline For Body
Condition Scoring
 Spinous processes of loin and rump
 The line between spinous processes and tips
of short ribs
 The Area on top of short ribs
 Hook and pin bones
 Thurl area
 Sacral ligament area / line between hooks
 Cavity between tail head and pin bones
International Scoring Scale (1-5)
Score of 1 (Very Thin)
• Individual short ribs have a thin
covering of flesh.
• Bones of the chine, loin, and rump
regions are prominent.
• Hook and pin bones protrude
sharply, with a very thin covering of
flesh and deep depression
between bones.
• Severe depression below tail head
and between pin bones. Bony
structure protrudes sharply, and
ligaments and vulva are
prominent.
● the cow has a saw-toothed spine.
Score of 2 (Thin)
• Individual short ribs can be felt but are
not prominent.
• Individual bones in the chine, loin, and
rump regions are not visually distinct
but are easily distinguished by touch.
• Hook and pin bones are prominent,
but the depression between them is
less severe .
• Area below tail head and between pin
bones is somewhat depressed, but the
bony structure has some covering of
flesh.
Score of 3 (Ideal)
• Short ribs can be felt by applying slight
pressure, Altogether, short ribs appear
smooth.
• The backbone appears as a rounded
ridge; firm pressure is necessary to feel
individual bones.
• Hook and pin bones are rounded and
smooth.
• Area between pin bones and around
tail head appears smooth, without
signs of fat deposit .
● The sacral and tailhead ligaments are
visible
BCS 1 BCS 2

BCS 3
Score of 4 ( Fat ) Score of 5 ( Grossly Fat )
• Bony structures of backbone, short
•Area between hooks and pins
ribs, hook and pin bones are not
appear flat .
apparent; subcutaneous fat deposit
•Short ribs cannot be felt even with
very evident.
firm palpation .
• Tail head appears to be buried in
• Loin and rump regions appear flat.
fatty tissue.
• Hooks are rounded and the span
• Area between pins and tailbone
between them is flat.
rounded ,skin distended.
• Area of tail head and pin bones is
rounded, with evidence of fat
deposit.
Ideal BCS by Stage of Lactation:
Stage of Score Ideal Range Red Flags and Troubleshooting
Lactation
Calving 3+ 3.25 – 3.75 • Scores < 3+ (inadequate energy) supply during late lactation and dry period. These cows will have limited milk production. Risks increased for
metabolic disorders and reduced fertility.
• Scores > 4 (intake was too high) during late lactation and dry period. Need to feed low energy ration with adequate protein, minerals and
vitamins.

Early 3- to 2.5 - 3.0 • Objective: Increase intake of high energy ration to overcome negative energy balance, and minimize changes in body condition (Peak milk
production).
Lactation 3 • Scores below 3. If cow is high producer a drop to 2+ is alright. However thin cow BCS < 3 and not high producer, this cow is not receiving
enough energy. Need to increase nutrients and dry matter intake.
• Cows with good BCS (3 to 3+) but not producing as expected signify inadequate intake of protein, mineral and water.

Mid 3 2.75– 3.25 • Objective is to maintain body condition and max milk production. Scores < 3 ( Inadequate energy ration during early lactation) and For scores
> 3+, reduce intake to avoid over-conditioning. Problems in this stage leads to reduced fertility.
Lactation
Late 3+ to 3-3.50 • Objective: Replenish energy and fat reserves to prepare cow for next lactation, Avoid over-conditioning.
• Scores < 3+ at dry off mean cows are receiving inadequate energy. Check to see that early- and mid- lactation cows
Lactation 4- are receiving enough energy., since problem may have begun there.
• For scores > 4- at dry off, reduce energy intake during late lactation.

Dry 3+ to 3.25-3.75 • Objectives: Maintain body condition in recommended range, feed low-energy ration that provides adequate, but not
excessive, amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
4- Scores < 3+, increase energy intake, Inadequate body fat reserves can decrease milk production in upcoming
lactation, Increase energy content of late-lactation ration. Body fat reserves should be replaced at that time.
• Scores > 4- , to Reduce energy intake of dry cows while maintaining adequate levels of protein, vitamins, and
minerals, Reduce energy intake of late-lactation cows, because the problem may have begun there.

Heifers 3- to 3.50 • Objectives: Maintain body condition in recommended range, Feed a balanced ration that provides adequate but not
excessive amounts of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
3+ • Scores < 3- may indicate a nutritional problem. If heifers are allowed to become too thin, they will not grow at the
proper rate and may have reproductive problems later on.
• Scores > 3+ have been shown to be associated with a greater fat infiltration in the mammary glands of heifers at
puberty. When these heifers freshen, they will not produce to their full genetic potential
BCS and Increased Health Risk

 Excess Body Condition  Thin Body Condition

 Fat Cow Syndrome  Lameness
 Ketosis
 Displaced Abomasum
 Milk Fever
 Metritis Metabolic problems can set
the stage for consequences
 Mastitis of other nutritional-stress
 Lameness complications, including
 Limited Dry Matter Intake infections such as mastitis.
References

 www.infovets.com/healthycowinfo/a084.htm
 drive.google.com/drive/folders/136KyYDKexkqSRCvULKTcsberXVZvClTR
 www.slideshare.net/triakoso/body-condition-scoring-in-dairy-cattle
 Thank You

Group - A1

Hamza Harb 86471 Akram Al-Qudah 92735 Asya Radhi 104489

Lorance Qaisi 100779 Maria M. El-Azm 104494 Ali Makki 104488

Muhammed Hani 100772