Unit 6: Body Conditioning Scoring in Animals

Flashcards created from the lecture notes on body condition scoring in animals, focusing on key concepts, definitions, and important anatomical landmarks.

What is the basic purpose of body condition scoring in livestock?

To evaluate the nutritional status of animals.

What are the consequences of having animals that are under-conditioned?

Lower conception rates, increased disease susceptibility, and higher winter maintenance feed costs.

What are the key anatomical landmarks to check when scoring cattle?

Back, ribs, hook bones, pin bones, and tail head.

What does body condition scoring involve?

A visual and manual inspection of key anatomical landmarks.

What is the primary nutrient stored in the body for energy?

Fat.

In cattle, how are they scored in terms of condition?

On either a 5-point or a 9-point scale.

What defines the body condition score of a cow at BCS=2?

Shallow cavity around tailhead with some fatty tissue, pelvis easily felt.

During which period should females be condition scored?

At parturition, end of lactation, beginning of the breeding season, and during growth phases.

How is condition score evaluated in pigs?

By assessing the back, ribs, and rear end, typically on a 5-point scale.

What happens to dairy cows in peak lactation regarding body condition?

They tend to be in a negative energy balance and lose body condition.

What does a BCS=5 indicate in terms of fat cover?

Tailhead is buried in a thick layer of fatty tissue and pelvic bones cannot be felt.

Why is it difficult to evaluate body condition in sheep visually?

Due to their wool covering.

What is the role of body condition scoring in modern dairy management?

To regularly assess body condition for optimizing health, production, and reproductive efficiency.

What do pigs typically rely on for assessing body condition?

Ultrasound measurements of back fat thickness.